Tagged / Writing for publication

Journal Peer Review in Crisis

Publishing, writing

Regardless of academic discipline, peer review remains the cornerstone in ensuring that papers published in journals are of the highest quality. Experts in the field are asked to comment on whether the reported research has been conducted rigorously, whether it is ethical and whether its findings have meaningful implications for practice or research in the discipline. Journal editors have depended on some form of peer review since journals began publishing research and historically peer review has been effective. Unfortunately, the peer review process is now in crisis.

It was a privilege to work with editorial colleagues from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA, Poland and Manchester (!) on this editorial reflecting on some of the key challenges facing peer review for journals and to explore some of the possible solutions. The following link will take you directly to the editorial.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.70374

If you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer for the Journal of Clinical Nursing please contact me at lgelling@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Why peer review matters

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During my time as a journal editor, first at ‘Nurse Researcher‘ and for the past 12 years at the ‘Journal of Clinical Nursing‘, there is one challenge that has become increasingly difficult: finding peer reviewers. Like many editors, I often need to invite multiple potential reviewers before securing the two needed to assess a manuscript. This is a growing concern and one that reflects wider pressures on academic workloads.

Most academics recognise the importance of peer review, yet it often sits low on a long list of competing priorities.  Reviewing is rarely formally recognised in workload models and is often undertaken outside working hours. As a result, invitations are frequently declined or unanswered. With delays in identifying peer reviewers, publication timelines lengthen and the dissemination of new knowledge can be delayed. In health research, this can have implications for the implementation of new and potentially life-changing interventions.

Engaging in peer review also offers important benefits for academics themselves. Reviewing manuscripts exposes scholars to emerging research before publication and can sharpen critical appraisal skills. It provides insight into how papers are constructed, how arguments are strengthened and how methodological weaknesses are addressed. Many academics find that peer reviewing improves their own writing and helps them better understand what journal editors and reviewers look for in submissions.

Peer review is therefore both a collective responsibility and a professional development opportunity. When we undertake peer review, we support the scholarly community that ultimately evaluates our own work. The sustainability of academic publishing depends on all of us contributing our expertise when we can. Engaging in peer review should also be supported by academic institutions, which also benefit from their employees undertaking peer review.

If you would like to know more about peer reviewing for the ‘Journal of Clinical Nursing’ please contact me at lgelling@bournemouth.ac.uk.

CWLTH Research Seminar Series

writing

The Centre for Wellbeing and Long-Term Health (CWLTH) will be hosting a series of virtual research seminars in October and November (see below).  All are welcome … please join us if you are able.  Contact CWLTH@Bournemouth.ac.uk to receive the meeting link.

The Centre is also collaborating with the Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health (CMWH) to host ‘Writing in Health and Social Sciences’ on Monday 20th October.  During this three-hour workshop, experienced authors and editors will focus on multiple aspects of writing and publishing journal papers.  For more information contact CWLTH@Bournemouth.ac.uk.