Back to Position Papers

Guidelines Position Papers serve two aims. First, to define the topic to be discussed and second, to indicate how the Network: TUFH membership may contribute to further development of that domain. The mere fact of having a Position Paper on a certain topic already implies that the Executive Committee wishes to underscore its importance in relation to the aims and goals of The Network: TUFH. Position Papers are written for two audiences: an internal and an external one. Within The Network: TUFH, Position Papers may assist us in guiding our discussion and developing our view on the topic. For that reason it must be accepted that Position Papers are never 'final', but that input by others should lead to their frequent review and refining. The value of the initial Position Paper may be enhanced if it is written by some authors preferably representing different parts of the world. For readers who are not members of The Network: TUFH, our Position Papers may be a resource to introduce them to the topic or to learn about contemporary views on the issue as held within our organisation. Keeping this second audience in mind, a Position Paper should be written without assumption of pre-existing knowledge in the reader on the domain. To define the topic to be discussed in a particular Position paper, a single sentence will usually not suffice. In fact, a major part of the Paper may have to be devoted to a detailed description of the topic and related issues at stake. This clarity is particularly important with respect to the external audience. To be effective for the Network: TUFH's membership as alever for advancing further development in the domain, a Position Paper may - or perhaps even should - be somewhat provocative. Ideally the author(s) should share a dream with the reader on how they would like to see the future development in that domain, and of course colleagues should feel challenged to react on that perspective or to add their own dream. Finally a few words on the format of the Position Papers. Although the length of the Paper should initially not be a limiting factor it is advised to restrict the lengths to approximately 2.500 words (including references). To enhance the value of our Position Papers - particularly for the external audience - it is recommended to include an extensive list of literature references (using the style required by the Network: TUFH's journal Education for Health). Position Papers will be printed for distribution on request and at conferences, included at the Network: TUFH's website, reproduced in the Newsletter, and eventually be considered for publication in the journal Education for Health.