title: Mind-to-paper is an effective method for scientific writing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The problem of initiating the writing process is a well-known phenomenon, especially for young and inexperienced scientists. The purpose of this paper is to present an effective method to overcome this problem and increase writing efficiency among inexperienced scientists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve young scientists within the medical/surgical fields were introduced to the mind-to-paper concept. The first and last article drafts produced by each of the scientists were scored for language complexity (LIX number, Flesch Reading Ease Scale and Gunning Fog), flow, structure, length and use of references; and the results were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants produced one full article draft during each of the three dictation days. When comparing the first and last article draft regarding time used, no significant difference was detected. In general, the manuscripts were of high quality on all evaluated parameters, but language complexity had increased in the final manuscript.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mind-to-paper dictation for scientific writing is an effective method for production of scientific papers of good initial quality, even when used for the first time by inexperienced scientists. We conclude that practicing this concept produces papers of an adequate language complexity, and that dictation as a writing tool allows for fast transfer of ideas and thoughts to written text.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730 Herlev, Denmark. jacob.rosenberg@regionh.dk
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burcharth
authors.forename: Hans Christian
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pommergaard
authors.forename: Anne Kjærgaard
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Danielsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008037:Linguistics; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes; D008875:Middle Aged; D013060:Speech; D013637:Tape Recording; D014956:Writing / Q000592:standards*