The 1:3:25 approach to report writing

A reader friendly style of report writing is the 1:3:25 approach. The idea behind it is to write about the key messages right at the beginning of the report, so even busy people can read one page of main messages. Every report the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF) prepares follows these same 1:3:25 guidelines:

• 1 page of main messages
• followed by a 3 page executive summary
• then the findings are presented in no more than 25 pages.

Reader Friendly Writing: the 1:3:25 approach is available as a PDF file from the Communication Notes section of the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation website.

Report Writing

Report Writing
The University of Surrey UK, has developed a 'skills pack' that includes a communications section. In this section is a chapter on report writing as "...formal reports communicate information to others without the need for meetings. If you are required to explain your work to others in this way, effective reports are vital. Effective reports will give you a professional image and get others to take your work seriously."

Report Writing: Process, principles and styles
(PHC RIS JournalWatch, December 2004)
Writing reports is often seen as a time consuming and pointless exercise. However, by sharing information, reports can help develop common purposes and aims, spread successful innovations, build on successes, and avoid reinventing wheels and duplicating mistakes

How to report on surveys
This SAGE Publication includes guidelines for preparing and interpreting charts, tables, and figures, and a step-by-step account of how to present each part of the survey-from the survey's objectives, design and psychometric properties through to the conclusions.

Writing a report: How to prepare, write and present effective reports
This book written by John Bowden (2004) explains how to prepare, write and present effective reports.

WRITING FOR PUBLICATION

Writing for Publication - a guide for new authors
Dixon N. (2001). Writing for Publication - a guide for new authors. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 13(5), 417-421

Writing for publication seminar presentations
Presentations include: 'Principles of good writing' and 'Writing a scientific paper'

Articles of interest

Writing a research article: advice to beginners
There are a number of rules to follow when writing an article for a peer-reviewed journal.
Perneger T, Hudelson P. (2004). Writing a research article: advice for beginners, International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 16, 191-192.

Publishing in peer review journals: Criteria for success
McIntyre E, Roeger L, Magarey A, Eckermann S, Keane M. (2007). Australian Family Physician, 36(7), 561-562