Other Article Types

Complementing the quality research published in PLOS Medicine, the ‘front section’ (or “magazine” section) of the journal publishes articles that offer perspectives, critical reviews and guidance across a range of topics that address the major biological, clinical, social, and environmental determinants of human health.  

The majority of PLOS Medicine front section articles are commissioned in-house, but we do consider unsolicited submissions and pre-submission enquiries. Our front section articles provide a platform for experts to provide insightful commentaries on timely and/or controversial topics, as well as offer perspectives and advice that inform health policies and guidelines. All articles are written to appeal to our broad readership, which includes clinicians, researchers, healthcare workers, policy makers, students, scientific educators, and patients. 

The front section of PLOS Medicine comprises the following article types:

Editorials

Editorials are written by PLOS Medicine Staff Editors or members of the journal’s Editorial Board. They provide a voice for the journal, commenting on topics of general medical interest or journal policy.

Perspectives

Perspectives are opinionated and/or educational pieces that discuss the clinical practice or public health implications of a PLOS Medicine study, or timely clinical and health topics of interest to a general medical readership. Perspectives are brief (up to 1000 words) and can contain up to 12 references and one display item (figure, table or text box). The editors ask that authors do not principally aim to discuss their own work.

Reviews

PLOS Medicine narrative Review articles provide a balanced summary and critique of timely health topics, discussing recent developments in research, healthcare practice, public and global health issues, clinical practice, and more. Review articles should be around 4000-5000 words and should include at least two display items (figures, tables, boxes). There is no strict limit on reference numbers.

Policy Forum

This section is for authors to discuss health issues that have policy implications. We are particularly keen to feature articles by health policymakers that discuss the challenges and opportunities in improving healthcare in their field or region. Articles should not exceed 3000 words and there is no strict limit on reference numbers.

If you are discussing a particular health policy proposal, first provide the background (why is a particular policy needed?), then outline your proposal and the evidence that supports it, and then describe the challenges that lie ahead in its implementation. The use of display items (tables, figures, boxes) is encouraged. Please keep in mind how others might learn from your experiences. 

Guidelines and Guidance

The Guidelines and Guidance section contains advice on conducting and reporting research. Articles may raise awareness of emerging methods in biomedical research, announce a new reporting standard or consensus-type statement, or provide a “how to” guide about statistics, study design, or other methodological issues.

It is important that your full article provide details about the method by which the group achieve consensus about the guidelines or guidance you are reporting. The following must be explicitly detailed in Guidelines and Guidance articles:

• How the panel/experts were selected (as this is an obvious and potential major source of bias, for example)
• How many potential participants declined/failed to participate
• How the workshop was conducted and, crucially, how agreement was reached re the various recommendations
• How the panel ensured dissenting views were aired and considered
• Unresolved issues
• A frank discussion of the strengths and limitations of the processes used.

There is no strict limit on word count or display items, however, articles and their guidelines should be kept as clear and concise as possible. There is no strict limit on reference number.

 

Post-Publication Notices

PLOS publishes Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retraction notices, as needed, to address issues that arise after a PLOS article has been published.