Quantitative Analysis of Articles Published in Korean Journal of Anesthesiology for 28 Years

Kim, Won Oak; Kil, Hae Keum; Hong, Jeong Yeon; Han, Shin

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology was published in 1968 and its volume has been increased every year. The purpose of this study was to investigate and to clarify the trend of increasing volumes for 28 years (1968~1996) as quantitative analysis.
METHODS
Using computerized index of Korean Journal of Anesthesiology (""ART""), the trend, volumes and cumulative records (top ranked 22 frequently cited key words, 16 persons and 10 departments of University) were calculated. Some key words such as ""Anesthetic techniques: spinal, Anesthetics, intravenous:, Anesthetics, volatile: halothane, Complications:"" was traced every year for grasping the trend of academic concerns.
RESULTS
1. Total volumes of articles were about 3,000 (1968~1996). The volumes were increased slowly until 1976 and steeply since 1986. 2. The ratio of clinical case reports has been decreased every year. 3. Key words ""Anesthetic techniques"", ""Surgery"" and ""Complications"" were more frequently cited than the others. 4. Tracing some key words showed their vitality in anesthetic fields. 5. The personal top ranked number of records revealed each author's contribution to Korean Journal of Anesthesiology and the number of records in each department of University could be used as an index of academic activity.
CONCLUSIONS
The extent of the increasing volumes was great especially from 1986 to 1996 and the proportion of original articles has been increased every year. The frequency of the investigated key words showed their own vitality in the field of anesthesiology. The rank according to personal and departmental records suggested the possibility of reflecting a measure of academic concerns and activity.