Choosing a scholarly journal during manuscript submission: the way how it rings true for physiatrists.
BACKGROUND
Research and publications are increasing in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). Hence, there appears to be a multifaceted and challenging turnover in our scientific niche involving authors, editors, publishers and readers in a complex interplay.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the manuscript submission process from the side of the authors, and to better understand their perceptions and preferences.


METHODS
A survey study.


METHODS
E-mail and personal contact.


METHODS
European researchers working in the field of PRM.


METHODS
A questionnaire was specifically prepared for this study. The first part included questions regarding personal and scientific background; in the second part the attendants rated 20 items (with respect to several journal characteristics) on a 4-point semantic differential scale; and the third part contained two open ended questions regarding additional factors that the authors considered during submission.


RESULTS
Area of interest (mission and contents) of the journal within the "Rehabilitation" category, absolute impact factor of the journal, match between perceived "quality" of their study and journal impact factor were considered to be the three most important factors by the authors.


CONCLUSIONS
In a scientific environment where the numbers of research and publication outlets alike are growing, it is important to understand how authors choose where to publish their papers.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that editors, and publishers as well, would take into account our findings to best meet the needs of all actors in the competitive marketplace of scholarly publishing in PRM.
Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. lozcakar@yahoo.com
L
L
Özçakar
F
F
Franchignoni
M
M
Kara
S
S
Muñoz Lasa
D000043:Abstracting and Indexing / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055811:Journal Impact Factor; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D011643:Publishing / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce