Vancouver Style (Numbered References)
Vancouver style numbers references consecutively in the order they appear in the text, using numerals in superscripts or brackets.
1Detailed Explanation
Vancouver style is named after the 1978 meeting in Vancouver where the first guidelines were produced by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). References are numbered in order of appearance in the text, with corresponding numbers in the reference list. Superscript numbers or bracketed numbers are used in-text. Journal titles are abbreviated per ICMJE/PubMed conventions. Multiple references can be combined in one number: '1,3,5-8'. 'et al.' is used for 6+ authors. The reference list uses a standardized format with specific punctuation. Most medical journals (NEJM, Lancet, BMJ, PLOS Medicine) use Vancouver style.
2Examples
- A.Text: 'Recent studies have shown benefit.¹˒² Reference: 1. Smith JA, Jones BB. Effect of treatment on outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2024;390:123-130.
- B.Reference list entry: Author(s). Title. Journal. Year;Vol(Issue):Pages. doi if available.
3Why It Matters in Research
Vancouver style is the most common citation system in medical journals. Familiarity with its format is essential for medical writing.
4Related Terms
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