A Study on the Academic Paper Review Process of Medical Societies

Koh, Myung Ja; Kim, Soon Duck; Lee, Young Sung; Chun, Byung Chul

Abstract

The subjects in this study were the directors in charge of article inspection from 127 academies that are registered with the Korea Academy of Medical Science. After a questionnaire was prepared covering the examination process, judging committee organization, problems with examination and possible reform measures, a survey was conducted by e-mail and facsimile from October 4 through 20, 2001. The responses from 79 academies were gathered, a response rate of 62.2%, and the collected data were analyzed with SAS. The most common examination process was C type, which convenes publishing committees, employed by 59 academies_(74.6%), and these institutes found it satisfactory. Thirty-four academies_(43.0%) had 10 to 19 judges, and these judges were separately in charge of different fields, whereas 79 academies_(77.3%) allocated five or less judges to each field. Thirty_(38.0%) academies had their judges comply with related official directions or guidelines, and 50 academies_(63.3%) conducted investigation just twice. Fifty-four academies_(68.4%) weren't satisfied with their examination process. As for the problems with the examination process, many_(41.8%) pointed out that it's time-consuming work and that a lot of procedures were repeated. Concerning the benefit of the online examination program, 41 academies_(51.9%) thought that it was more efficient and less time-consuming. Forty-one academies_(51.9%) were aware of the online examination program, but only 23 academies_(29.1%) were willing to use it. In order to realize an online paper review, there should be appropriate criteria and guidelines for the construction of an online paper review system that suits various types of paper review process employed by the academies. The usability of online information and technology for more efficient and higher-quality judgment should be widely be publicized, and consideration should be given for the types of paper review system that might be suitable for those who are neither aware of the use of the internet nor willing to utilize.