Strategic medical writing in the post-authorisation phase - Volume 23, Issue

This article outlines the latest legislation for some of the most common post-authorisation documents (Risk Management Plans, Periodic Safety Update Reports, and Post-authorisation Safety Studies) and explains the role of the strategic medical…

The approval process of medicines in Europe - Volume 23, Issue

The European system of approval of new medicines comprises an European Union (EU)-wide authorisation procedure (the so called centralised procedure) alongside national procedures based on different EU Member States working together and recognising…

In the Bookstores - Volume 22, Issue

The Spirit Level

Ever had a ‘ping’ moment? This book might have been mine. I'm not a natural pessimist, but Western society today seems less cohesive and people more materialistic, stressed, unhealthy, and unhappy than in times gone by. Wealth and s…

Plain language and readability - Volume 24, Issue

Plain language is writing in clear, concise language that is easy to read and understand. Whenever I hear the term plain language I am reminded of a lay summary I was once asked to edit. The stream of technical language (‘self-source bias’, ‘effect m…

Non-clinical health writing - Volume 23, Issue

We medical writers have a unique and valuable skill set, which includes, most notably, the ability to understand and clearly communicate complex medical information. We are also experts at working with multifunctional teams, compiling detailed…

Big data in clinical research: Present and future - Volume 29, Issue

The clinical research landscape is gradually changing as we enter the era of big data. Big data sources are multiplying as existing sources collide to create expanded platforms that serve wider areas of expertise. Clinical study designs…

Best friends forever: A pattern of collaboration between medical writers and biostatisticians within the Russian CRO - Volume 25, Issue

The Russian clinical trial industry and Russia’s local regulatory requirements are developing rapidly. Within Russian contract research organisations, medical writers must take on non-traditional roles and, in particular, must collaborate closely…

Good Writing Practice - Volume 28, Issue

Paragraph lengthiness and complexity cause a continuity inexplicity (discontinuity), which can be lessened by using forecasting and backcasting markers of the information pattern. Thus, omission of such continuity markers (e.g., a subheading)…

Five “translation” strategies to adapt technical content for lay audiences - Volume 33, Issue

Writing for lay audiences requires language that is understandable by readers without expertise in the subject matter at hand. This means carefully selecting, organising, wording, and supporting content, focusing on conveying relevant points in a…

Message from the President - Volume 21, Issue

Dear MEW reader Welcome to the first 2012 Medical Writing or MEW issue – another EMWA milestone to start off this stellar year. I hope you enjoy the new design and the thematic focus on oncology. The theme of EMWA's upcoming 34th Spring conference…