The importance of credibility in medical journals, and how to identify top sources

It's a common practice within the healthcare and medical fields for physicians or other care providers to consult current medical research ahead of making a decision. Whether this comes in relation to a patient's diagnosis or treatment route, examining medical research in the form of print and online medical journals is an important part of the process.

In fact, according to Elsevier's own research paper, "Where Credibility Goes, Doctors Follow," 95% of industry leaders in the healthcare field reach for print medical journals when available, and 96% said they leverage online medical journals as a top informational source. In addition, 90% of physicians noted that they check peer-reviewed medical journals ahead of prescribing a medication to their patients.

However, as more healthcare professionals utilize print and online medical journals, one issue is increasingly coming to the surface: the credibility of these sources.

Reliance on medical journals

Overall, a large number of healthcare professionals - including physicians who have worked in the field for years, as well as those just breaking into the industry - access medical journals for a range of information. The BMJ noted that journals can provide a key source for clinical trial results, data and details related to certain prescription drugs and more. However, in many cases, there is a lack of clear policies related to gauging the expertise or potential conflict of interest with study authors.

Physicians consult medical journals to make decisions about patient treatment options.

Our original Elsevier research discovered that as the number of online publications increases, the quality and credibility of these journals can wane. In fact, one 2017 case with the Federal Trade Commission found that a publishing group - which operated more than 100 online medical journals - was misrepresenting its publications, sending solicitation emails to readers and did not make clear that authors paid to have their writing published.

"Based on this suit, the FTC warned researchers and readers to carefully investigate or consider any journal that they are not familiar with and ensure they understand the journal's publishing process," the research paper explained.

Tips for identifying credible medical research

Overall, because the information contained within medical journals and other sources is used to make diagnosis and treatment decisions within the healthcare field, it's imperative that this data is credible. However, the task of identifying which sources are credible and trustworthy and which are not falls to physicians and other readers within the industry.

Thankfully, there are a few best practices that care providers can use to ensure that the research and publications they use are legitimate.

First and foremost, as our research paper points out, it's imperative to understand each journal's publication process. Following the 2017 FTC case, many journals now make this information easily accessible.

"[A] legitimate journal will clearly lay out its publishing process, peer-review practices, and author responsibilities," the research paper noted.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that readers consider how the research or information fits in with other existing research. For instance, a so-called landmark study that appears to contradict years of previous medical research should be viewed as questionable.

"In other words, one study alone is never enough to make a case - it simply gives direction about what new research is needed," the CDC stated.

Credible medical journals and other healthcare informational sources can be invaluable for care decisions, and help provide access to new data and details about medical products, prescription drugs, treatment options and more.

For more information, check out our whitepaper, "Where Credibility Goes, Doctors Follow," today.