title: Publish or perish: strategies to help rural early career researchers increase publication output.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Researchers are challenged to publish or perish. A range of barriers to writing can result in sub-optimal productivity, particularly for early career researchers. Researchers in rural areas may face additional challenges of distance and limited access to colleagues. Implementing strategies to address some of these obstacles was identified as a priority for a group of early career, rural researchers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In late 2010, the Wiljo-Piri Writing Group was established, embarking on fortnightly lunch-time meetings for support, networking and the public setting of writing goals; and arranging pairing of 'writing buddies' committed to writing daily, with contact before and/or after each writing session to provide motivation and accountability. Key measures for improvement were publication output (publications per person per year (PPY)) and perceptions of effectiveness of strategies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Publication output varied between individuals and over time; overall PPY rates improved from 0.5 to 1.25. 'Buddy writing' helped facilitate adherence to routine writing sessions and was associated with perceptions of increased creativity, efficiency, confidence and ability to focus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Structured peer support can be a powerful tool to create and maintain regular writing practices and increase publication output. 'Buddy writing' is applicable to any research or academic setting, and helps maintain commitment to daily writing sessions. Furthermore, such interventions can provide peer support for those working in rural settings, helping to address issues such as geographical and professional isolation. Suggested key steps in establishing structured peer support are provided.
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. jennifer.johnston@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: Primary Health Care Research and Evaluation Development Program, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. shawn.wilson@ucrh.edu.au.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. Elizabeth.Rix@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rix
authors.affiliation: University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. sabrina.pit@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Pit
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D012108:Research Personnel; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D014956:Writing
keywords: Australia/Pacific; Continuing Professional Education; Education; Postgraduate; Researcher