| Sumario: | Training for medical writers generally includes an overview of features in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, but information on which features and practices are most useful to medical writers is sparse. Data regarding Microsoft® (MS) Word™ features most regularly used by medical writers were collected by using an online survey consisting of 30 questions. The anonymous survey was distributed to medical writers both online (identified primarily through LinkedIn®) and in person at the American Medical Writers Association's 2015 Annual Conference. The survey secondarily explored additional tools: Excel™ features, other software, hardware, and best practices. This report focuses only on the MS Word results, with some highlights regarding computer monitor use. To assess differences according to years of experience and type of medical writer--regulatory or nonregulatory-- the responses of these subgroups were compared for select survey questions. A total of 88 survey responses were recorded over about 1 month of active solicitation. The results showed that keyboard shortcuts, Find and Replace, split screen, AutoCorrect options, and customized ribbons were the most regularly used MS Word features. Additional tools cited as essential for the profession included review tools, Styles, Insert:Captions/Cross-references, formatting tools, and Table of Contents features. Seasoned writers were more likely to employ Find and Replace techniques, while newer writers appeared to use split screen more. Regulatory writers were more likely to use Insert:Captions, Insert:Cross-references, and formatting functions, while nonregulatory writers were more likely to use Insert:Footnote, Insert:Endnote, and bibliographic features in Word.
|
|---|