Analysis papers are narrative articles in which we seek to inform and promote debate on important and contentious medical, scientific and health policy issues. We particularly welcome articles on subjects which will engage a broad range of readers and are of international as well as national relevance: the readership of the BMJ is wide and includes doctors of all disciplines and other health professionals. Authors should not assume that readers will know about organisations, practices, or policies that are specific to one country. We welcome suggestions of possible peer reviewers: please provide the names and email addresses of up to three people we might approach.

Analysis articles should follow this format: 

• main text: not exceeding 1800-2000 words (count excludes text in boxes and the references), including a succinct 100-150 word introduction explaining what the article is about and emphasising its importance
• title: short and engaging and containing a key word or words about the article's content
• “standfirst”: this 1-2 sentence italicised summary should state the article's key message/argument. We do NOT require a formal abstract
• style: please use subheadings to break up the main text, explain any specialist terminology, and spell out all acronyms
• evidence: please ensure that the evidence for any key statements is explicit and referenced, and that the strength of the evidence is clear - stating whether it comes from, for example, published trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, or expert opinion
• references: no more than 20 references in Vancouver style
• tables, boxes, or illustrations: up to three (including clinical photographs, imaging, line drawings, figures - we welcome colour)  to enhance the text and add to or substantiate key points made in the body of the article
• provenance statement: a 100-150 word concluding paragraph (excluded from word count) explaining the article's provenance. This should breifly describe the relevant experience/expertise of each author, their contribution to the article, and the sources of information used to prepare it. Please state which author will be the guarantor for the article
• statements of copyright/licence for publication, competing interests, and funding (stating whether the work was funded by a granting body that mandates open access publication - the BMJ can provide open access for such articles even if they are not research papers).