Software and tools

This branch covers software used in medical writing, divided by tool function: the general software kit, word processing, templates, document automation, collaboration, analysis and graphing, surveys and polls, and account security. It leaves artificial intelligence, blockchain, source searching and reference management, translation software, practice hardware and backups, figure design and document-disclosure workflows to neighbouring branches.

• The software medical writers use and recommend — tool selection, software categories, use and recommendations, project tools and meeting platforms
• Working in the word processor — learning the program, useful features, formatting, shortcuts, find and replace, and automatic-checking failures
• Document templates for medical writers — template files and types, content and automation, benefits, limits and vendor assessment
• Automating document checks and production — consistency checks, house-style configuration, human decisions and regulatory document production
• Collaboration and shared-document tools — tool choice, shared documents, cloud workspaces, review and reconciliation, meetings and screen sharing
• Software for data analysis and graphing — selection requirements, dedicated packages, spreadsheet analysis, charts, export and editable handoff
• Online survey and polling tools — questionnaire design, distribution and results, scheduling and option polls
• Passwords and account security — unique passwords, memorable passphrases, password managers, additional authentication and reset questions