Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

 An editorial is a document where an author presents an opinion about a specific topic from an arguable position. The arguable position is best represented if it is clear, concise, and well referenced. The endpoint of the argument is to persuade and win the confidence of the audience reviewing your document. As we have noted before there are three specific ways to accomplish this task. This section will go into the details needed to write a publishable editorial. Introduction In the first module you reviewed an editorial page from a major medical journal. You were introduced to different types of editorials. In addition to this, you critiqued an editorial as to whether or not it met the criteria for properly written editorial. Next, you dissected a medical journal article and provided the justification for the use of specific references used to support the article. In other words, you researched and found concrete evidence, which supported the author’s conclusions. In addition to this, you created a multimedia lesson explaining your conclusions about the author’s justification for using the supporting reference articles. The last step, of the class, is what is known as  the expressive phase. It is now time for you to write your own editorial. This will be about a current topic in respiratory care. Learning Outcomes After completing this assignment the student will be able to: • Write effective editorials • Demonstrate concrete fact gathering, research, and writing skills needed for an editorial • Present a referenced point of view within a written work eligible for publication Required Materials A computer with Internet access Microsoft Word ® Purpose Statement As stated before…having an opinion about something does not mean you have to have facts. Good editorials should have all the facts necessary for the reader to have an informed understand of the situation; plus enough information so that the reader can understand the writer’s opinion and reasoning. This approach is true in what we do as Respiratory Therapists. We interact constantly at the bedside with families, physicians, and disciplines. To do so, in a professional manner, we need to provide accurate information. The bedside explanation about a process or piece of equipment is nothing more than an editorial.  The majority of us had editorialized at the bedside and or other work related locations. Pick an RT related subject and provide a well-supported argument pro or con. Learning Activities In reflection, In journalistic circles, there are generally three types of editorials. They are editorials that: explain, evaluate, and persuade. Please remember, for this assignment you are to write the editorial not review an editorial. Editorials that explain are much like expository essays. There is an attempt to inform or interpret a topic. This type of essay generally is not used to argue a point of view. The writer’s only expression of opinion will come from their interpretation of the facts on the selected topic. Editorials that evaluate will focus on actions or situations that the writer views as being incorrect, in need of improvement, or praiseworthy. Criticism should generally be constructive. When the writer uses this method, an alternative solution or course of action should be provided. If the editorial is used to offer praise, there should be solid reasons for doing so. Editorials that persuade offer specific solutions to specific problems. The writer in this medium will expect immediate action rather than trying to develop prolonged understanding of a situation. This type of editorial will generally offer a compromise as a solution to the perceived problem. Not all editorials are equal. This is evident by reading the editorial page of your local newspaper. In a professional medical journal, the expectations are greater. Your editorial will need to include the following criteria listed below: • Background information that explains the subject briefly. • A stance that tells the reader exactly what is the writer’s position (thesis) This should be a commanding sentence and to the point. • Reasons to support the stance are based on fact and number usually three, (journal supported) but more or less can work if they are explained in great detail (support of your thesis). • A rebuttal where you will present the opposing viewpoint of the topic you are editorializing. You will have to present a rebuttal on your editorial. • A conclusion and solutions are offered by you that will fit your stance.