Loose connections between peer-reviewed clinical journals and clinical practice

Article Abstract:

Published medical research about advances in diagnosis, treatment, and other aspects of medicine are not effectively disseminated to practicing physicians. Articles on a given topic are scattered among numerous medical journals, and many peer-reviewed clinical journals attempt to serve both researchers and practitioners. Consequently, many journals publish both rigorous studies, which are communications from scientists to practitioners, as well as many preliminary investigations, which are scientist to scientist communications. The low numbers of definitive studies contributes to physicians' difficulties in detecting important advances in medical practice. Additionally, the high levels of preliminary studies can lead to the premature adoption of medical innovations. To improve communication to practitioners, journals should feature rigorous studies of topics directly related to medical practice and sound clinical review articles, intended as practitioner to practitioner communications. Thus, journals aimed chiefly at practicing physicians would exclude reports of preliminary scientific investigations, which would then appear in journals aimed at physicians and others doing medical research. Other practices that would improve communication to medical practitioners include raising the scientific standards of publications, providing better abstracts, developing other types of article and literature summaries, and enhancing physicians' skills in appraising medical literature. Together, these suggested actions may improve the familiarity of practicing physicians with advances in medical practice. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Medicine, Medical practice, Journalism, Medical, Medical journalism

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The need to educate physician-scholars for leadership in the health care system

Article Abstract:

Career opportunities exist in academic medicine, government, industry, and the nonprofit sector for physician-scholars. These individuals must be highly competent as researchers and as clinicians, but devoting long periods of time to purely clinical settings would be detrimental to their abilities as researchers. Educational programs must be developed to aid physician-scholars in entering less traditional disciplines, such as the social sciences, the humanities, and the physical sciences. The development of leadership must also be incorporated into physician-scholar programs, as many of these individuals will assume important roles in health care. The current leaders in academic medicine must seek greater funding for such programs and must increase the understanding of the role of physician-scholars. Several models of funding for these programs have been developed, some without any federal funding. The author challenges the creativity of academic leadership to obtain other sources of funding and to increase the appreciation of the value of physician-scholars who may provide many direct benefits to society. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Economic aspects, Medical education, editorial

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Systemic reviews: synthesis of best evidence for clinical decisions

Article Abstract:

Research articles called systematic reviews that summarize volumes of data on a single issue can be helpful in streamlining the medical decision making process. These review articles give an overview of the published research on a specific medical strategy frequently for a specific population and may statistically combine data from a number of smaller studies. Systematic reviews are typically formulated after following strict scientific methods. Results from these studies can give doctors a concise source of information and may point out avenues for future research.

Decision-making, Models, Decision making, Clinical medicine

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