KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Traditional metrics like impact factor still influence journal selection and engagement, despite their limitations in assessing research quality.
• Enhanced publication content, including graphical abstracts and plain language summaries, improves healthcare professional engagement.

In an article for The MAP newsletter, Alexa Holland, Hamish McDougall, Radhika Bhatia, and Sarah J Clements highlight the importance of adopting novel metrics and enhanced publication content (EPC) to improve healthcare professional (HCP) engagement with scientific publications.

Re-evaluating journal metrics

In the evolving landscape of scientific publishing, traditional metrics like impact factor continue to dominate journal selection and readership decisions, despite their well-documented limitations. A survey conducted by Clements and colleagues, presented at the 2024 European Meeting of the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals, revealed that 57.9% of HCPs still rely on impact factor when selecting articles to read or choosing where to publish. However, such metrics do not always reflect the true value or reach of research.

57.9% of HCPs still rely on impact factor when selecting articles to read or choosing where to publish.

To move away from this outdated method of research assessment, publication professionals must advocate for a shift towards more diverse and transparent metrics, as outlined by the Declaration on Research Assessment. Additionally, efforts should focus on encouraging HCPs to engage with a more varied pool of publications, select appropriate target journals, and promote open access.

The EPC effect: more engagement, more impact

Elsewhere, the survey identified that graphical abstracts, plain language summaries, video summaries, and other forms of EPC are powerful tools for boosting engagement. 38.8% of HCPs are more likely to read publications with EPC, and research has also shown that articles featuring EPC tend to receive higher Altmetric scores and experience increased social media engagement than those without.

Despite the benefits, barriers such as development time, strict journal guidelines, and the fact that not all journals offer EPC options continue to hinder their broader implementation.

To enhance EPC impact and adoption, the authors recommend:

1. Educating HCPs on the importance of EPC and how to create it
2. Encouraging journals that have yet to implement EPC to adopt it
3. Advocating for standardised inclusion of EPC across journals

The authors identified future areas for exploration, including how EPC can influence clinical decision-making and patient education. By prioritising a more rigorous research evaluation process and promoting opportunities to implement EPC, the medical publishing industry can better support knowledge dissemination, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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