Helpful Hints: Writing Effective Letters to the Editor

Abstract 

Letters to the editor serve an important role in postpublication review by maintaining the integrity of evidence. The act of critical appraisal of the literature, an important step of evidence-based practice, may generate letters to the editor. Letters may serve to (1) identify errors or deficiencies and make a correction to the literature, (2) point out alternative theories or additional information not contained in the original article, (3) offer new, additional, or counterevidence to that of the original article, and/or (4) hold authors and journals accountable for their publications. Through letters, the readership helps to strengthen the evidence base. Recommendations for writing and assessing a letter to the editor are included in this editorial.