Help:How to edit

This page serves as a reference guide for editing on the wiki encyclopedia. The first section gives step-by-step instructions on using the site and editing. Following that section are guides to each specific type of page, with an explanation, examples, and specifications for what it should include. There is also a Style Guide covering various issues of language, formatting, and other stylistic specifics. Finally there is a space with helpful hints, with shortcuts and tricks for editing.


Contents

How To:

Edit

  • Find a page that you want to edit
    • By searching for a topic name (be sure to search alternate spellings and names, too.)
    • Or by browsing All pages
  • Click the “Edit” tab
  • Make the appropriate changes in the white editing box.
  • Click “Preview” to see the changes you made before saving.
  • Click “Save” to save your changes.

Add an Article

  • Click "Start an Article"
  • A box will open where you can enter the title of the Article
  • If the topic does not already exist, an edit box will open, where you can add whatever text you want, either by typing it in or by cutting and pasting from another document.
  • "Show Preview” to see the changes you made before saving.
  • Click “Save Page” to save your changes.

Use the Toolbar

The toolbar at the top of the edit box helps you format text like you would in a Word document and provides shortcuts for inserting any wiki syntax you might need when creating or editing an article. For instance, if you want to create a headline in an article, you can highlight the text you want as a headline and then click the button with the large A on it. This automatically inserts the == on either side of the text, which is the wiki syntax for "headline". Hover over each button on the toolbar to see what it does.

Use Templates

  • In the Edit screen, click “Choose a Template.”
  • Select the appropriate template.
  • To enter a headline, place your cursor in the edit box where you want the headline to go, and then click on the headline in the Template box.

Add an Image

Carotid endarterectomy.
  • Save the image you want to a location on your computer
  • Open the Article to which you want to add the image.
  • Click "Edit"
  • Place your cursor in the edit box where you want the image to go.
  • Click on the image icon in the toolbar. This will insert the proper image text.
  • Replace the text “Example.jpg” with the appropriate title of your image file. Make sure to include the extension of the image in the title, e.g. "cancer.jpg" or change the title of the image to the appropriate extension, e.g. "cancer.gif"
  • After the “.jpg” you want a vertical line (“|” above the “\”) and the word “thumb” followed by another vertical line, the size, and another vertical line. Normal size is 300px, with 200px for smaller images and 400px for larger. Play around and see how the sizes look.
  • After you have specified the size, you can specify location by typing the word "left", "right" or "center". The right side of the page is the default, but if you want the image on the left or centered, you need to specify.
  • After the location, place another vertical line, and then the caption. The caption should always include the source, in italics.
  • Put everything together, and you get wiki text that looks something like:
[[Image:Cad_endarterectomy.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Carotid endarterectomy.]]
This code will display the image on the right of this page. Note that the code for this image is actually located at the top of this section.
  • Save the page.
  • If an image with the same file name has already been uploaded to Medpedia, the image will appear automatically.
  • If there is no image with the filename on the site, you will have to upload it.
    • Click on the blue image name, which will redirect to an “Upload File” page.
    • Click “Choose File,” and then find and click on the file in your computer.
    • Make sure the “Destination filename” matches what you have in the main Article (it should default in correctly).
    • Type in a brief description and the image source under “Summary”
    • Upload File

Add a Video

  • To embed a video into an article page, you need to embed the unique video identification code. For example, to find the code for YouTube videos, locate the code from the video's url.
    • From this url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFmFpwOvcn8, use the part of the url that looks like this: XFmFpwOvcn8
  • Then, use the following syntax: 
 {{video:youtube|XFmFpwOvcn8}}

replacing the code after the vertical line with the code you found in the "Embed" box. This syntax will work for videos from Vimeo and Google Video as well if you use the "Embed" code.

  • For Vimeo videos-- if the url is http://www.vimeo.com/7043200, then the code to insert is 7043200.
  • For Google Video-- if the url is http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5818065186942710841&#, use the code -5818065186942710841
  • Click "Show Preview" to see if the video embedded correctly.

Add a Reference

  • In the text, directly after the sentence for which you want to create a citation, type <ref> , then insert the properly-formatted reference text (AMA-style format) , ending with </ref> For Pubmed Articles, you can use <ref name="pubmed-18418893">18418893</ref> where the number is the Pubmed ID, and the reference will be automatically formatted.
  • Under the “References” heading at the bottom of the page, type <references /> and all of the references you inserted throughout the text above will automatically appear. If there is no existing References heading on the article, you'll need to create one. See the "Use Templates" section of this guide to find out how to insert a heading.
  • At the top of the editing box, you will also find an icon that enters the reference wiki text when you click it)

Add a Category

  • Click on the "+Category" button in the Toolbar.
  • Start typing in the appropriate category name (e.g. "Cardiovascular" for the Heart Attack page).
  • Choose the appropriate category name, and save.
  • Repeat for as many categories as you deem appropriate.

Add an Internal Link

Double brackets or the "Internal Link" icon (Ab underlined) will allow you to link words in one Article to another Article within Medpedia.

  • For single words, simply enclose the word in brackets. (e.g. [[diabetes]] will give you this result: diabetes
  • For terms comprised of more than one work, first write the term with capitalization as it appears in the title, then insert a vertical line, and type the text as you want it to appear. (e.g. [[Heart Attack|heart attack]] will give you heart attack
  • You can follow a similar procedure when the name of the title is slightly different than what you want to type. (e.g. [[High Blood Cholesterol|high cholesterol]] will give you high cholesterol

Add an External Link

Single Brackets of the "External Link" (globe) icon will allow you to make a word or phrase link to an external site.

  • Type the website, including the "http://" followed by a space and then the name of the site (e.g. Use [http://www.hearthealthinternational.org ICHA] to get ICHA.)

Create a Debate Page

  • Copy and paste the debate template onto the page, then click "Preview" to see what you have.
  • Once you see the preview, scroll down to edit the text, replacing the generic text (e.g. “Camp 1” and “Camp 2”) with the specific appropriate text (e.g. “Cover your mouth with your hand when you sneeze” and “Sneeze into your sleeve.”)

Use a “Discuss” Page

  • Once you’re on an article page, click on the “Discuss” tab.
  • To add a new topic of discussion, click the “+” button.
  • Type in a heading for your topic of discussion, with the full text underneath.
  • Click on the Signature icon button (or enter the following text: [1]) to sign your posting with your username and the date/time of your post.

See Previous Edits to an Article

  • From an article page, click on the “History” tab.
  • Select the two versions of the article that you would like to compare.
  • Click “Compare Selected Versions.”
  • Additions will appear in blue with a “+” next to the lines that were added, and deletions will appear a pinkish-red and crossed out.
  • You can undo the last edit to a page by clicking “rollback” next to the edit.

Change the Name of a Page

  • On an article page, click the “Move” tab at the top.
  • Type in the new title, being sure to capitalize appropriately.
  • Unless you have specific reasons to not want the talk page to stay with the page, make sure the “Move associated talk page” box is checked.
  • Click “Move page” button.

Page Specifications and Explanations

Below you will find specifics on what each page should include. See the Style Sheet for specific stylistic guidelines and suggestions.

The "Plain English" Page

The "Plain English" page is the page on which the general public will land when they come to the site or search for a topic. Examples can be found under the specific page topics, but in general it:

  • Is written towards a 9th grade, lay audience
  • Is written in the third person
  • Refers to patients in the third person
  • Provides information, not advice
  • Uses layperson’s terms when describing symptoms, medications, conditions, etc (See Jargon Watch for terms to avoid and their lay equivalents)
  • Includes at least one image (preferably at the top, above the “fold” of the page)
  • Title: All words are capitalized and uses layperson’s terms
  • Includes an “Introduction” section at the very top, with 1-2 sentences giving readers enough background to get them started
  • Always includes references (See the Style Guide for details on how to create references)
  • Follows the appropriate template (See specific page topics below for more details)
  • Can be claimed by an editor by clicking on the blue “Be a Lead Editor of this article” link
    • By claiming an article, Lead Editors take responsibility and credit for the content on the page and implicitly agree to monitor all edits made to the page by other editors

The “Clinical” Page

The "Clinical" Page is geared towards medical professionals, with more in-depth, technical information and terminology. Examples include Clinical:Schizophrenia.
It should:

  • Be written in the third person
  • Provide information, not advice
  • Use scientific terms when appropriate

“Discuss” Tab

The “Discuss” tab is a talk page where editors can discuss the article, changes they want to make, and any editing-related questions specific to the article. Since this is not a content page, there are no specifications for what should and should not be on it, provided the tone remains respectful and the discussion constructive.

Additions to the discuss tab should be signed by placing the cursor at the end of the post and clicking on the "Signature" icon in the toolbar, or entering the following text: --~~~~

The Debate Page

The Debate Page is a space to educate the public about the debate surrounding a particular issue. It is a space to lay out the various "Camps of Thought," or points of view/sides of the argument. It is not a place for the different sides to engage in discussion or debate and should never include disparaging comments or attacks on other points of view.
In general, the “Debate” page:

  • Includes a paragraph on each different “camp of thought,” or point of view/side of the debate
    • Each paragraph can be written a member of that side, or someone who represents those views. It should outline their position in 4-8 sentences, describing but not arguing.
  • Does not include discussion amongst the different sides
  • Is written with language that is respectful and appropriate to an educational piece

Diseases and Conditions

Diseases and Conditions cover any ailment caused by virus, bacteria, genetics, environment, injury, etc, describing the condition, its causes, treatments, research, history and anything else that may be helpful or pertinent.
Examples: Chagas Disease, Fabry Disease, Acne, Common Cold
A “Diseases and Conditions” page”:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Types
    • Signs and Symptoms
    • Causes
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Prevention
    • Living with {{PAGENAME}}
    • Chances of Developing {{PAGENAME}}
    • How {{PAGENAME}} is Spread
    • Related Problems
    • Clinical Trials
    • Research
    • Controversy
    • Expected Outcome
    • History
    • Epidemiology
    • Interesting Facts
    • Notable Experts
    • Social Issues
    • Cultural Issues
    • Public Health
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Symptoms

Symptoms include any ailment that a person may suffer as a result of a larger problem. They describe the symptom, explain to what it could be attributed, and may include treatment specific to that symptom.
Examples: Fever, Pelvic Pain
A “Symptoms” Page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Causes
    • What {{PAGENAME}} Could Mean
    • Treatment
    • Cures
    • Prevention
    • Research
    • Expected Outcome
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Drugs

Drugs are any medications that people may take for prevention or (usually) treatment of a condition. The drug’s generic name is always used.
Examples: Ibuprofen, Pemirolast, Antibiotics

A “Drugs” Page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Uses
    • How {{PAGENAME}} Is Taken
    • How It Works
    • How the body affects {{PAGENAME}}
    • Benefits
    • Side Effects
    • Risks and Precautions
    • Interactions
    • History
    • Controversy
    • Alternatives
    • Statistics
    • Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Interesting Facts
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Organizations

Articles on organizations describe any group that functions in and contributes to matters relating to medicine, the body and public health.
Examples: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

An “Organizations” Page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Mission
    • Summary of Activities
    • Additional Responsibilities
    • History
    • Organizational Structure
    • Other Notable People
    • Publications
    • Statistics
    • Controversies
    • References
    • External Links

Organisms

Describes organisms that are known to affect humans, either in a harmful or helpful way, listing both basic information on the organism as well as ways in which it interacts with the human body, effects, and what can be done to treat/promote health.
Examples include Mycobacterium leprae; Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis, Ebola, Onchocerciasis

An “Organisms” page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Types
    • Effect on Humans
    • Microbiology
    • Identification and diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Living with {{PAGENAME}}
    • Research
    • Controversy
    • History
    • Habitat
    • Global Impact
    • Interesting Facts
    • Notable Experts
    • Cultural Issues
    • Public Health
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Procedures

The “Procedures” pages detail tests, surgeries and other procedures that medical professionals conduct to diagnose and/or treat conditions.
Examples include: Coronary Artery Angioplasty, Colonoscopy, Deep Brain Stimulation

A “Procedures” page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Description
    • Why {{PAGENAME}} Is Done
    • Types
    • Preparation
    • How {{PAGENAME}} Is Done
    • Benefits
    • Risks
    • Side Effects
    • Effectiveness
    • Recovery
    • Expected Outcomes
    • Statistics
    • Alternatives
    • Experts on {{PAGENAME}}
    • Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Controversy
    • Interesting Facts
    • History
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology pages describe parts and systems of the body, including information on their structure, associated conditions, medical professionals who specialize in treating those parts/systems, and other pertinent information.
Examples include Hormonal System, Circulatory System, Lungs, Cornea

An “Anatomy and Physiology” page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Types
    • Description
    • Role of {{PAGENAME}} in the Body
    • How It Works
    • Diseases of the {{PAGENAME}}
    • Related Professions
    • History
    • Research
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and Supplements pages discuss specific vitamins and minerals the body needs as well as packaged supplements that deliver those vitamins and minerals.
Examples include: Vitamin A, Chromium, Zinc

A “Vitamins and Supplements” page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • How {{PAGENAME}} Works
    • Sources
    • Benefits
    • Recommended Daily Intake
    • Risks
    • Alternatives
    • Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Controversy
    • History
    • Experts
    • Interesting Facts
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Herbs

The “Herbs” pages discuss natural therapies.
Examples include: Cranberry, Echinacea, Cat’s Claw

An “Herbs” page:

  • Includes everything mentioned above for main pages plus at least 8 of the following sections:
    • Other Names
    • Uses
    • Sources
    • How {{PAGENAME}}Is Taken
    • How It Works
    • Risks
    • Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Controversy
    • History
    • Alternatives
    • Experts
    • Interesting Facts
    • Other Resources
    • External Links

Helpful Hints

Easy Way to Link to Abstracts

The mediawiki software autodetects PMID number and, without the need for html markup, shows them as a linked item, e.g. PMID 16714472. However, if you enter:

<ref name="pubmed-18418893">18418893</ref>

where the number is the Pubmed ID, and the reference will be automatically formatted.

Herb Information

Memorial Sloan-Kettering has a site that nicely complements NCCAM's (no pun intended). They have more common names and scientific reference info, for example. Quo vadis: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm

Biography Links

One nice way to link to biographies of scientists (usually under the "history" section when describing how a drug or condition was discovered): perform a search for the person's name and take a look at the results to find a site that has few pop-ups, ads, etc. and gives a good bio. One good site if they've won a Nobel prize (as many have) is Nobelprize.org. Another source is NNDB.

Interesting Facts

For diseases that also occur in animals, it might be nice to mention it under "Interesting Facts."

Digging Up Synonyms

This is a great site to find synonyms for the "Other Names" section.

Reading Level Estimation With MS Word

Regarding the guideline to write for the 9th-11th grade level, I'll suggest that writers take a quick tour through one of Microsoft Word's features that will calculate the reading level of chunks of text. If you've got the text in a Word document (it doesn't have to be saved), go to Tools - Options - Spelling & Grammar and click on the "Show readability statistics" checkbox. The F7 key invokes the algorithm and you can see if you're in the ballpark for readability.

Resources

  • Health Sciences Online is a great new resource to help you find references and sources for any pages you write. It is a search engine with 50,000 courses, references, guidelines, and other free, and ad-free health sciences resources, reviewed and selected by their staff.
  • Haz-Map, through the NIH, is "an occupational toxicology database designed to link jobs to hazardous job tasks which are linked to occupational diseases and their symptoms. It is a relational database of chemicals, jobs and diseases." It is all in the public domain and can therefore be used on Medpedia.