1Writing Style
IV Journal articles should be clear, accurate, and accessible to a clinical readership. Good writing style helps your ideas reach the widest possible audience.
Core principles
- Write in clear, plain English — avoid unnecessary jargon
- Use short sentences and paragraphs where possible
- Define abbreviations and acronyms on first use
- Use an active voice wherever appropriate
- Support claims with evidence and appropriate references
- Be consistent with terminology throughout the article
- Write for an international, multilingual readership
Presentation
- Use clear headings and subheadings to structure your article
- Number figures and tables, and refer to them in the text
- Keep sentences and paragraphs reasonably short for readability
- Proofread carefully before submission
2Harvard Referencing
IV Journal uses the Harvard referencing style throughout. Please follow the examples below carefully.
In-text citations
One authorEffective catheter care reduces infection rates (Smith, 2023).
Two authors…as demonstrated in recent trials (Smith and Jones, 2023).
Three or more authors…reflecting current guidance (Smith et al., 2023).
Direct quotationAseptic technique is described as “the cornerstone of safe practice” (Smith, 2023, p. 14).
Reference list
Full references should be listed alphabetically by author surname at the end of your article.
Journal articleSmith, J. and Jones, A. (2023) 'Reducing catheter-related bloodstream infection', Journal of Vascular Access, 18(2), pp. 112–120.
BookSmith, J. (2022) Principles of Infusion Therapy. 3rd edn. London: Clinical Press.
Book chapterJones, A. (2021) 'Peripheral access', in Brown, K. (ed.) Vascular Access Handbook. Oxford: Medical Books, pp. 45–60.
WebsiteIVJOURNAL (2024) Central venous access guidance. Available at: https://www.ivteam.com (Accessed: 24 July 2026).
Reference checklist
- Every in-text citation has a matching entry in the reference list
- Every reference list entry is cited at least once in the text
- Author names, dates, and page numbers are accurate
- References are listed alphabetically by author surname
3Plagiarism & Originality
IV Journal takes originality seriously. All submissions are checked for plagiarism before entering peer review.
Before you submit
- Ensure your article is your own original work
- Properly attribute and reference all sources used
- Avoid excessive direct quotation — paraphrase in your own words wherever possible
- Do not submit the same article, or substantially the same article, to more than one journal simultaneously
- Declare any prior publication of related material, such as a conference abstract
Our commitment
We use plagiarism detection software as part of our editorial screening process, and take any concerns about originality seriously, in line with COPE guidance.
4Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI tools are increasingly used in academic writing. IV Journal permits limited, transparent use of AI as set out below.
Acceptable use
- Using AI tools to check grammar, spelling, and readability
- Using AI tools to assist with literature searching
- Using AI tools to help structure or organise your own ideas
Not permitted
- Using AI to generate substantial sections of article text presented as your own writing
- Using AI to fabricate or alter data, results, or references
- Listing an AI tool as an author
- Submitting AI-generated content without disclosure
Author responsibility
Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their submitted work, regardless of any AI tools used during preparation. Any use of AI in preparing a manuscript should be disclosed in the acknowledgements.
5Ready to Submit?
Before submitting, please check that your manuscript meets the following requirements.
- Your article follows the writing style guidance above
- All references are formatted in Harvard style and cross-checked
- Your work is original and properly attributed
- Any use of AI tools has been disclosed