Instruction for Authors

1. Checklist

Read the aims and scope to gain an overview and assess whether your manuscript is suitable for this journal.
Please use the Microsoft Word Template to prepare your manuscript.
Ensure that all issues related to publication ethics, research ethics, copyright, authorship, figure formats, data, and reference formats are appropriately addressed.
Confirm that all authors have approved the content of the submitted manuscript and that they have read the instructions for authors.

2. Article Types and Peer Review

The journal welcomes the article types listed below. All manuscripts undergo initial editorial assessment. The external peer-review requirements below apply to manuscripts that pass this assessment; manuscripts may be rejected before external review.

Article types and peer-review requirements
Article type	Peer review
Original Research	External peer review required
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis	External peer review required
Review Article	External peer review required
Short Communication	External peer review required
Case Report	External peer review required
Editorial / Commentary / Letter	Editorial review; external peer review at editors’ discretion

Primary research must undergo external peer review regardless of its article label. Manuscripts that proceed to external peer review are normally evaluated by at least two independent external reviewers. Reviewer recommendations are advisory; the handling editor or Editor-in-Chief makes the final editorial decision. See the Peer-Review Policies.

2.1 Original Research

Original Research Articles report original findings from clinical, translational, epidemiological, health-services, or other research relevant to clinical practice. Authors should follow the reporting guidelines appropriate to their study design.

Front Matter: Title, Author List, Affiliations, Corresponding Author, Clinical Question Box, Structured Abstract, Keywords, and Graphical Abstract (optional).
Main Text: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions.
Back Matter: Statements and Declarations, References, and a list of Supplementary Materials (if applicable). Include the ethics, consent, and data availability statements appropriate to the work; see Statements and Declarations.
Limits: 3,500 words or fewer, excluding references, tables, and figure legends; no more than five tables and figures combined. There is no limit on the number of references.
Peer Review: Required (external peer review).

2.2 Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Systematic reviews synthesize evidence using explicit, reproducible methods for identifying, selecting, and critically appraising relevant studies. Meta-analyses combine study results quantitatively where appropriate. Submit these manuscripts under this category rather than Original Research or narrative Review Article.

Front Matter: Title, Author List, Affiliations, Corresponding Author, Clinical Question Box, Structured Abstract, Keywords, and Graphical Abstract (optional).
Main Text: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions. Describe the search strategy, eligibility criteria, study selection, risk-of-bias assessment, and synthesis methods. Follow applicable reporting guidelines and disclose any protocol registration.
Back Matter: Statements and Declarations, References, and a list of Supplementary Materials (if applicable). Include the ethics, consent, and data availability statements appropriate to the work; see Statements and Declarations.
Limits: 3,500 words or fewer, excluding references, tables, and figure legends; no more than five tables and figures combined. There is no limit on the number of references.
Peer Review: Required (external peer review).

2.3 Review Article

Review Articles provide a critical and constructive narrative assessment of the published literature on a clinical topic, identify gaps, and discuss implications for practice or future research. They should not report new or unpublished original research data. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses belong in the separate category above.

Front Matter: Title, Author List, Affiliations, Corresponding Author, Clinical Question Box, Unstructured Abstract, Keywords, and Graphical Abstract (optional).
Main Text: A logically organized review with appropriate sections and subsections.
Back Matter: Statements and Declarations, References, and a list of Supplementary Materials (if applicable). Include the ethics, consent, and data availability statements appropriate to the work; see Statements and Declarations.
Limits: 3,500 words or fewer, excluding references, tables, and figure legends; no more than five tables and figures combined. There is no limit on the number of references.
Peer Review: Required (external peer review).

2.4 Short Communication

Short Communications report brief original scholarly or scientific work relevant to clinical practice. They should provide sufficient methods, results, and interpretation to allow the work to be assessed.

Front Matter: Title, Author List, Affiliations, Corresponding Author, Structured Abstract (maximum 200 words), Clinical Question Box (optional), and Keywords.
Main Text: A concise account of the background, methods, results, and interpretation, with headings appropriate to the work.
Back Matter: Statements and Declarations, References, and a list of Supplementary Materials (if applicable). Include the ethics, consent, and data availability statements appropriate to the work; see Statements and Declarations.
Limits: 1,500 words or fewer, excluding references, tables, and figure legends; no more than two tables and figures combined; a maximum of 10 references.
Peer Review: Required (external peer review).

2.5 Case Report

Case Reports describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of individual patients or groups of patients, highlighting clinically informative or uncommon findings. Follow relevant case-reporting guidance and provide the required consent for publication.

Front Matter: Title, Author List, Affiliations, Corresponding Author, Clinical Question Box, Structured Abstract (Background, Case Presentation, and Conclusion), and Keywords.
Main Text: Introduction, Case Presentation, Literature Review, Discussion, and Conclusion, as appropriate.
Back Matter: Statements and Declarations, References, and a list of Supplementary Materials (if applicable). Include the ethics, consent, and data availability statements appropriate to the work; see Statements and Declarations.
Limits: 1,500 words or fewer, excluding references, tables, and figure legends; no more than five tables and figures combined. There is no limit on the number of references.
Peer Review: Required (external peer review).

2.6 Editorial Content

Editorials, Commentaries, and Letters discuss published articles, clinical questions, or issues relevant to the journal. These contributions may express reasoned opinions or scholarly correspondence. Work reporting primary research must be submitted as Original Research or Short Communication and must undergo external peer review.

Front Matter: Title, Author List, Affiliations, Corresponding Author, Keywords and Clinical Question Box (optional). An abstract is not required.
Main Text: A concise, logically organized discussion. Identify and cite the article being discussed when applicable.
Back Matter: Statements and Declarations, References, and a list of Supplementary Materials (if applicable). Include the ethics, consent, and data availability statements appropriate to the work; see Statements and Declarations.
Limits: 1,500 words or fewer, excluding references, tables, and figure legends; no more than two tables and figures combined; a maximum of 10 references.
Peer Review: Editorial review; external peer review at editors’ discretion.

3. Preparing Your Manuscript

Prepare your manuscript according to the requirements for its article type. Use page numbers, continuous line numbering, double spacing, 0.75-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font. Include all applicable declarations and submit tables in editable form and figures as separate files.

English Language Editing

Manuscripts should be written in clear and professional English. Authors may use professional language-editing services before submission if needed; use of such services does not influence editorial decisions.

Abbreviations and Units

Define abbreviations at first use in the abstract and main text, and explain them in each figure or table where used. Express measurements using the metric system and/or the International System of Units (SI). Use the capital letter L for liter, for example, g/dL or IU/L.

Equations and Statistics

Use editable equations, such as those created with Microsoft Equation Editor or MathType, rather than images of equations. Describe statistical methods clearly, report effect estimates and confidence intervals where appropriate, and do not interpret a nonsignificant result as proof of no effect. Conclusions should consider the study design, limitations, and uncertainty as well as statistical tests.

Reporting Guidelines, Registration, and Sequence Data

Follow reporting guidelines appropriate to the study design. Where studies or analysis plans have been preregistered, include the registry name, registration number, and link. Provide accession numbers for deposited RNA, DNA, and protein sequences in the Methods section. Consult the Editorial Policies for detailed registration and data-deposit requirements.

Research Data

Authors are encouraged to make data, materials, and protocols supporting the findings available where ethically, legally, and practically feasible. Any restrictions on access must be clearly described in the Data Availability Statement.

4. Components of the Manuscript

4.1 Title Page

Your manuscript should begin with a title page that includes the following elements:

A title (short and descriptive; a running title is not necessary).
The full names of all authors.
All authors’ institutional affiliations and job titles during the research (and current affiliation and title of the corresponding author if different).
The corresponding author’s name, affiliation, street address, telephone number, and email address.

All authors should provide their current affiliation as well as the affiliation where most of the research for their manuscript was conducted. We recommend listing as primary the affiliation where most of the research was conducted or supported; however, please check with your institution regarding any contractual agreement requirements. It is essential that author names and affiliations are accurate. Inaccurate information can lead to improper attribution or incorrect citations and may even result in complications with promotion or funding. Authors are encouraged to provide a research identity code, such as an ORCID.

4.2 Abstract

Abstracts must not exceed 300 words, or 200 words for Short Communications. Original Research, Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, and Short Communication use Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. Case Reports use Background, Case Presentation, and Conclusion. Review Articles use an unstructured abstract. Include clinical trial registration details where applicable. An abstract is not required for Editorial Content.

4.3 Keywords

Please provide 3 to 6 keywords that represent the key topics presented in the article.

4.4 Clinical Question Box

Question: State the clinical question in one sentence.

Answer: Summarize the finding or practical implication. For Original Research and Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, describe the population, intervention or exposure, comparator, and outcomes where applicable. For Review Articles and Case Reports, summarize the clinical question addressed or the remaining uncertainty. The question and answer combined must not exceed 100 words.

4.5 Main Text

References should be cited sequentially using superscript Arabic numerals without parentheses. Figures and tables should be cited in numerical order as Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, and so forth.

Organize the text according to the article type. Place the applicable Statements and Declarations before the References list.

4.6 References

The Journal of Clinical Question follows the AMA Manual of Style, 11th Edition. Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all references.

Text citations: Use superscript Arabic numerals without parentheses, numbered in order of first citation. Reuse the same number when citing a source again. For example: The findings were consistent.^1,3-5
Reference list: Number entries in citation order. Ensure that citations in the text, tables, and figure legends correspond to this list.
Authors: List all authors when there are six or fewer; for more than six, list the first three followed by et al.
Journal articles: Use standard journal abbreviations and include the DOI when available.
Books: Include the publisher and year; the publisher’s location is not required.
Reference software: An AMA 11th edition or JAMA output style may be used, but check the result against these instructions. Do not create the reference list using Word’s footnote or endnote function.

Common Reference Formats

The following six format examples use placeholders in square brackets. Replace them with the details of the source actually cited; omit elements that do not apply. Use a persistent URL when a DOI is unavailable.

Journal article: [Author AA, Author BB]. [Article title]. [Abbreviated Journal Title]. [Year];[Volume]([Issue]):[Pages or article number]. doi:[DOI]
Book: [Author AA, Author BB]. [Book Title]. [Edition, if not the first]. [Publisher]; [Year].
Book chapter: [Chapter author AA]. [Chapter title]. In: [Editor AA, Editor BB], eds. [Book Title]. [Edition, if not the first]. [Publisher]; [Year]:[Pages].
Website: [Author or organization]. [Page title]. [Website name]. Published [Month Day, Year]. Updated [Month Day, Year]. Accessed [Month Day, Year]. [URL]
Preprint: [Author AA, Author BB]. [Title]. [Preprint server]. Preprint posted online [Month Day, Year]. doi:[DOI]
Dataset: [Creator AA or organization]. [Dataset title]. [Version, if applicable]. [Repository]. Published [Year]. Accessed [Month Day, Year]. doi:[DOI]

Identify preprints clearly and cite the peer-reviewed version when available. Cite datasets directly using the repository record and persistent identifier, rather than citing only a related paper.

4.7 Tables

Tables should present new information rather than merely duplicating content found in the text. Readers should be able to interpret each table independently, even if it is presented separately from the text. Additionally, ensure that every table is properly cited within the text.

Provide tables in their original, editable format (e.g., Microsoft Word or Excel). Our production team cannot accept tables in image formats (e.g., .jpg, .tif, or other image types).
Tables may be included within the manuscript or submitted as separate files (one file per table).
Present table legends above each table rather than including them as the first row. Table footnotes should be separate from the titles and placed beneath the corresponding table.
Explanatory notes or a key should be present if the table includes indicators, symbols, abbreviations, bold text, or any other formatting that signifies important data.
If you are using indicators for footnotes, please use superscript letters (a, b, c). These letters should follow alphabetical order, starting from the top left of the table and proceeding to the bottom right.
All reference citations included in a table must have the relevant reference list number presented (in superscript Arabic numerals). Please ensure that these numbers align with the reference list included in the manuscript.
When submitting multiple tables, consistency in presentation is advised.
When presenting numerical information, use as many decimal places as appropriate for your purposes. This number should be consistent throughout the column or table, if possible.
All text in the tables should be in English.
Tables must not contain images.

4.8 Figures

Before submitting any figures, please check this list to ensure that your files meet our criteria.

Checklist

Files are provided in the required formats: .jpg, .tif, or .pdf.
If your figure is not in .jpg, .tif, or .pdf format, please convert it to one of these accepted file types to ensure the highest quality.
The artwork is of high quality (correct resolution, not blurred, stretched, or pixelated).
One file is provided per figure.
All figures have white space and unnecessary elements removed.
All text is in English and contains no spelling or grammatical errors.
All fonts used are embedded and conform to the journal’s standard font style, which is Times New Roman.
The font size is consistent.
Lines are a minimum of 0.3 pt.
Images do not contain any layers or transparent objects.
Files are named according to the naming convention (Figure [number]).
Figures are provided separately from the manuscript.
All multi-panel figure parts are labeled (e.g., A, B, C, and D).
Third-party figures must meet the journal’s quality requirements and include appropriate attribution. Obtain permission where the existing license or an applicable exception does not cover the intended use.

Preparation and Submission

Color photographic images must have a minimum resolution of 600 dpi. The manuscript should not contain any pasted figures. Please submit figures as high-quality .jpg, .tif, or .pdf files separate from the manuscript. Ensure that any files in .pdf format are not “locked,” as these are incompatible with our workflow software. If a figure or subfigure is copyrighted and you have obtained permission for its use, please include the necessary credit line or acknowledgment in the figure legend. If the image is the author’s property, this should be noted in the caption. Where permission is required, provide a copy to the journal.

File Naming Conventions

Name figure files as Figure 1, 2, 3, etc., according to the order in which they appear in the text. In the case of multi-part figures, each part should be labeled (e.g., Figure 1a and Figure 1b). Please verify that all figures have been cited within the manuscript text.

Fonts

Please use the journal’s standard font, Times New Roman. If you are submitting a PDF file, ensure that your fonts are embedded. Maintain a consistent font size throughout your work. Avoid using effects such as outlining and shadows on any lettering.

Figure Legends

Figure legends must begin with the corresponding figure number (e.g., “Figure 1: ”). If subfigures are present, each subfigure must be labeled and described within the figure legend.

Captions should be succinct yet descriptive. Explanatory notes or a key must be included if the figure contains patterns, colors, symbols, or other formatting that conveys significant data. If symbols or alphabetical indicators are used (e.g., *, **, #, ##, a, b, etc.), a key should be provided in the figure legend.

4.9 Statements and Declarations

Acknowledgments

The purpose of this section is to thank everyone who assisted with the research but does not qualify for authorship (please check the journal’s editorial policies regarding authorship). Acknowledge those who provided intellectual support, technical help (including writing and editing), or special equipment and materials.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures

Authors must disclose all financial and non-financial relationships or activities that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the submitted work.

Include a Competing Interests statement and consult the Competing Interests Policy. If there are no competing interests, state this explicitly.

Funding Statement

Identify the sources of research funding, using the funder’s official name and the grant number where applicable. Use the appropriate statement:

This research received no external funding.
This work was supported by [Funder] under Grant [number].

Human Research

Human studies must report required ethical approval, including the committee name and approval number where applicable, and informed consent or an approved waiver.

If ethics review was exempted or not required, explain the basis and identify the committee or other authority making that determination, where applicable. Provide supporting documentation on request. See the Editorial Policies.

Animal Research

Animal studies must report required ethical approvals and compliance with applicable animal research guidelines. Explain any exemption or why approval was not required. See the Editorial Policies.

Informed Consent and Consent for Publication

For human research, state whether informed consent was obtained or whether an ethics committee/IRB approved a waiver, identifying the committee and the basis of the waiver. A waiver of consent to participate does not by itself authorize publication of identifiable personal information.

For Case Reports and manuscripts containing potentially identifiable patient information, include a statement confirming written consent for publication from the patient or an authorized representative, as applicable. Follow the journal’s Editorial Policies and protect participant confidentiality.

Data Availability Statement

All manuscripts must include a Data Availability Statement describing whether and how the data supporting the findings can be accessed. If no new data were generated or analyzed, state this explicitly. Explain where the data supporting the findings can be accessed, with repository links and persistent identifiers where available. If sharing is restricted for ethical, legal, privacy, or practical reasons, explain the restriction and any permitted access procedure. Do not promise access that cannot be provided.

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during this study are available in [Repository] at [Persistent link].
The data are not publicly available because [Reason]. Access may be requested through [Procedure], subject to [Conditions].
No new datasets were generated or analyzed for this article.

Generative AI Declaration

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) refers to AI technologies capable of producing content such as text, images, audio, and synthetic data (e.g., ChatGPT, NovelAI, Jasper AI, Rytr AI, DALL-E). Authors must disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process by including a statement in the core manuscript file, placed immediately before the References list, under the heading “Generative AI Declaration.”

Required statement format:

During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE] for the purpose of [SPECIFY PURPOSE]. The author(s) subsequently reviewed and edited the content as necessary and assume full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the published work.

This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for grammar checking, spelling, reference management, or similar routine editorial assistance. If no generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used, no declaration is required.

Authors’ Contributions

Authorship should be based on the four criteria recommended by the ICMJE. Authors must meet all four criteria:

Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data;
Drafting the work or critically reviewing it for important intellectual content;
Final approval of the version to be published; and
Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

A short paragraph specifying individual contributions must be provided for research articles with multiple authors. The following statements should be used: “Conceptualization, X.X. and Y.Y.; Methodology, X.X.; Software, X.X.; Validation, X.X., Y.Y., and Z.Z.; Formal Analysis, X.X.; Investigation, X.X.; Resources, X.X.; Data Curation, X.X.; Writing—Original Draft Preparation, X.X.; Writing—Review & Editing, X.X.; Visualization, X.X.; Supervision, X.X.; Project Administration, X.X.; Funding Acquisition, Y.Y.”

Authorship should include only those who have contributed substantially to the work. Please carefully read the section concerning authorship in the editorial policies.

4.10 Supplementary Materials

Submit supplementary materials with the manuscript and provide a descriptive list. Cite each supplementary file in the text. Accepted supplementary materials, including appendices, may be published online with the article. Authors are responsible for the accuracy, clarity, permissions, and confidentiality of these files.

Prepare supplementary figures and tables according to the corresponding instructions. Videos may be submitted to illustrate relevant procedures or findings.

Graphical Abstract (optional)

A graphical abstract may be submitted to summarize the article visually. Use original artwork that is distinct from the article’s figures and suitable for clear online display. The minimum dimensions are 560 × 840 pixels (height × width).

5. Cover Letter

A concise cover letter must accompany each submission. Explain the significance of the work and its relevance to the journal, and include these statements:

We confirm that this manuscript is not currently under consideration by another journal and has not been published as a peer-reviewed article elsewhere. Any preprint posting has been disclosed in accordance with the journal’s Preprint Policy.
All authors have approved the manuscript and agree to its submission to the Journal of Clinical Question.

Disclose any preprint DOI or URL and licensing terms as required by the Preprint Policy.

Previous peer-review reports

Authors may submit previous reports for consideration. Please provide:

The originating journal or service, manuscript ID, and the version reviewed.
Complete, unedited reports and decision letters available to you, plus the revised manuscript and a point-by-point response.
Permission for JCQ to verify the records with the originating editorial office or service.

Reports must be independently verifiable under our Portability of Peer Review policy. Reports anonymous to authors may be considered if reviewer identities can be verified confidentially by JCQ; authors should not seek to identify anonymous reviewers. Unverifiable reports do not count towards JCQ's review requirements.

6. Permissions

Authors are responsible for checking the copyright and licensing terms of any reused text, figures, tables, or other material. Obtain permission from the rights holder when the intended reuse is not covered by a license or an applicable legal exception. Include the required acknowledgment or credit line and provide documentation where permission is required.

Material in the public domain may generally be reused without permission, subject to applicable law and appropriate acknowledgment. Authors are responsible for confirming the copyright and licensing status of reused material.

For open-access material, check the specific license and any separate credit lines for third-party content. Reuse must comply with the applicable license, including attribution and any requirement to indicate modifications.

7. What to Expect After Submission

Submit manuscripts through ScholarOne Manuscripts. Check whether you already have an account before creating a new one. Corresponding authors will receive an acknowledgment of receipt within 48 hours.

Initial editorial assessment is typically completed within 7 days of submission. This assessment determines whether the manuscript is suitable to proceed to review; it is not a final peer-review decision. External review follows the requirements for the article type and the journal’s Peer-Review Policies. Revisions may require further editorial assessment or external review and do not guarantee acceptance.

8. Acceptance and Production

Your Gleam production editor will keep you updated on the progress of your accepted article throughout the production process. Proofs will be sent as a PDF to the corresponding author and should be returned promptly. Authors are reminded to check their proofs carefully to confirm that all author information, including names, affiliations, sequence, and contact details, is correct, as well as to verify that funding and conflict of interest statements are accurate.

Acceptance is determined by the handling editor or Editor-in-Chief. At the proof stage, changes should generally be limited to necessary corrections and should not materially alter the scientific content of the accepted manuscript.

9. Online Publication

The Journal of Clinical Question is an online-only, open-access journal published bimonthly. Accepted articles may be published online ahead of issue assignment after completion of production and author proofing.

10. Open Access

All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Authors retain copyright in their work.

Published articles are freely and permanently accessible online without subscription charges or registration barriers.

11. Contact

Please do not submit pre-submission inquiries unless expressly noted as a requirement for your article type. We ask that authors determine the submission’s suitability based on the aims and scope outlined on the journal’s website.

Correspondence, queries, or additional requests for information regarding the manuscript submission process should be directed to the Journal of Clinical Question editorial office at the following email address: jcq@gleampub.com

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