Vancouver Style or NLM Format: Towards citation standardization

Abstract

Accuracy in bibliographic references is a fundamental aspect of scientific communication, particularly in the health sciences, where knowledge traceability carries clinical, ethical, and educational implications. This article analyzes the limitations of the Vancouver style in its editorial implementation and argues for the standardization of the NLM format as a common technical framework. Through a critical review of the literature, it identifies frequent problems resulting from the multiplicity of citation styles, such as referencing errors, ambiguity in editorial policies, and deficiencies in academic training on citation practices. Empirical studies are presented that highlight the low accuracy of references generated by reference managers without supervision, as well as the inconsistency of citation criteria among biomedical journal editors. The article proposes specific institutional actions, including incorporating reference quality into thesis evaluation rubrics, formalizing the librarian's role in the editorial review process, and developing unified citation guidelines. It also emphasizes the need for an educational approach that goes beyond mechanical style application and fosters a critical understanding of citation as an ethical and strategic practice. The article concludes that the adoption of the NLM format, supported by specialized training and institutional policies, would enhance transparency, efficiency, and reliability in biomedical scientific publishing.