Quality Improvement Briefing
The BSPD Quality Improvement Briefing (formerly the Clinical Effectiveness Bulletin) is a peer-reviewed publication aiming to disseminate quality improvement and clinical governance projects. The QIB forms an annual supplement to the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry (IJPD), published with the conference abstracts in September each year.
The QIB includes one invited article, focusing on topical issues in quality improvement, and 5-6 peer-reviewed submissions each year. From 2027, the QIB will also include the Quality Improvement and Research Committee (QIRC) National Quality Improvement Project. The 2025 Edition of the Quality Improvement Briefing is available here for reference.
Editorial Committee
The editorial committee is comprised of three elected members, each typically serving two years in their position before being promoted. The Trainee Representative is elected from the Paediatric Dentistry Trainees’ Group and is then promoted to the role of Assistant Editor, whom in turn is promoted to Editor. The Committee report to the BSPD Quality Improvement and Research Committee (QIRC). The current committee members are listed below:
Editor: Claudia Heggie
Assistant Editor: Laura Timms
Trainees Group Representative: Laura Daly
Submission guidance for authors
Submission requirements
The QIB publishes reports of audits, service evaluations and quality improvement projects in novel areas. Authors are advised to consult previous editions of the Quality Improvement Briefing to ascertain if their chosen topic has been covered within the previous three editions. We receive many more submissions than we have space to publish each year. Areas that have already been explored extensively are therefore unlikely to be accepted unless there is an especially novel approach.
One cycle audits and record keeping audits without novel approaches to service improvement are unlikely to be accepted for publication. Projects undertaken in settings other than hospital dental services are especially welcome.
Manuscript preparation
Manuscripts can refer to the project site at submission, to facilitate calculation of word count. Manuscripts will be blinded by the editorial team prior to allocation for peer review.
Manuscripts should be prepared in Microsoft Word and formatted with double line spacing to fit A4 paper size.
There is a strict word limit of 1500 words. This is inclusive of headings and subheadings but exclusive of the title; tables, figures, and their legends; authors names and affiliations; conflicts of interests; acknowledgements; and references.
Manuscripts should broadly follow the format below:
TITLE: Should be clear and concise, with a maximum of 12 words.
INTRODUCTION: To include rationale or need to undertake the project. Previous projects/publications as available can be referred to and (if appropriate) the cycle number of the audit and the effects of previous action plans.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: A clear list of project aim and objectives.
STANDARD(S): Should be quoted if available for audits, though these may not be appropriate in service evaluations and quality improvement projects.
MATERIALS & METHODS: A clear explanation of the project methods should be given.
RESULTS: Communication of key findings. Results should be supported by Tables and Figures for clarity (see below). Text should avoid simply repeating findings shown by graphs/charts.
IMPLEMENTED CHANGES: Description of key changes implemented to improve practice.
RESULTS OF FURTHER CYCLE(S) OR EVALUATION(S): Where there are multiple further cycles these should be interspersed with the changes implemented from each cycle.
ACTION PLAN: Any planned further changes after final reported cycle or evaluation, and a timeline for further evaluation of change.
DISCUSSION: Placing key findings into the wider context of published literature and considering strengths and weaknesses of the project
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: As appropriate.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Mandatory, even if none to disclose
REFERENCES: A maximum of six references. These should be listed using the AMA reference style as per the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Author Guidelines. In text citations should use Arabic superscript numerals.
Tables, Graphs and Charts
There is limited scope to include Tables and Figures, so their use should meaningfully support interpretation of the findings. There should be a maximum of two tables, graphs and/or charts per manuscript. Articles will be printed in black and white and therefore no colour Tables or Figures should be included in the submission.
Tables and Figures should be incorporated into the Microsoft Word document. They should be succinct and limited to one page of portrait A4 in Size 12 font. The accompanying legend should be concise and in bold e.g. Table 1 ……, Figure 1 ……
Manuscript submission
Manuscripts should be submitted online here. Authors should ensure the submission form is completed accurately. Authors can either upload their manuscript into the online form or e-mail documents to the editorial team directly at qibeditor@gmail.com. Confirmation of receipt will be sent for submissions received by e-mail.
A cover letter is not required, though you will have the opportunity to write a short message to the editor within the online submission form.
Submissions should generally have a maximum of six authors, though it is possible to enter a submission on behalf of a collaborative or group. An enquiry should be made to the QIB editor before attempting to submit any manuscripts that do not adhere to these authorship guidelines.
Students and trainees are advised to seek guidance of their supervisors prior to submitting their manuscripts. There are governance issues around publishing service improvement projects and therefore supervisory AND institutional approval is essential to ensure compliance.
Editorial screening, peer-review and editing
All submissions will undergo initial editorial screening to ensure they meet the QIB submission requirements outlined above. Each submission that passes the editorial screening will be subject to anonymous, independent peer review. Referees are drawn from senior trainees in paediatric dentistry.
The peer review process is double-blinded, and reviewer reports are used by the editorial team to inform inclusion in the issue (contingent on any required changes). Peer review feedback will be provided for all submissions.
The editor reserves the right to edit the manuscript. Printing and distribution is at the discretion of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry.
Timeline
Submissions are welcomed at any time of the year, though the cut-off for consideration in the following year’s publication will be the 31st October. Authors will be informed of the decision by the 31st January in the following year, at the latest.
Any submissions received after the 31st October will be considered for publication in the next annual editorial cycle.
FAQ
Q: Can I be first author on two submissions?
A: Yes, you can be a named author on multiple submissions. Each submission should be made separately.
Q: I have conducted a service evaluation and introduced changes to the service as a result of this, though the impact of these changes has not yet been evaluated. Can I submit a manuscript of this to the Quality Improvement Briefing?
A: The Quality Improvement Briefing is keen to publish projects with a demonstrable impact on a service, or the care provided. As such, projects where changes to the service have been evaluated will be prioritised. Nonetheless, the editorial team will consider projects without an evaluated impact if considered to be particularly topical.
Q: When will I find out whether my submission has been accepted or not?
A: All manuscripts are initially reviewed by the editorial team, who will determine whether your submission meets the requirements of the Quality Improvement Briefing. The editorial team will advise you within 4 weeks of the submission deadline if your manuscript does not meet these requirements. All manuscripts that are approved at this stage will be sent for peer review. The results of the peer review process are then discussed by the editorial team at an annual meeting in January, who make the final decision regarding which submissions to include in the Quality Improvement Briefing. The Editor will relay the outcome of submission to authors after the editorial meeting.
Q: How can I become a reviewer for the Quality Improvement Briefing?
A: Peer reviewers for the Quality Improvement Briefing are identified from the body of senior specialty trainees in paediatric dentistry across the UK. Senior trainees in Paediatric Dentistry are invited to peer review for the Quality Improvement Briefing in November/December each year. Occasionally more junior trainees will be invited, providing they have previous experience in peer review. Reviewers will receive a certificate and recognition in the supplement for their time and contribution.
Contact us
If you have any queries related to the QIB or the submission process, please email qibeditor@gmail.com. We aim to respond to your query within ten working days.
The QIB editorial team would like to thank the British Society of Orthodontics, whose Guidance for Prospective Authors formed the basis for this document in 2021.
V2.0 – Last updated 28/7/26