Abstract
Introduction
The productivity of trainees, consultants and institutions is frequently judged by the quantity of articles published in medical journals. While personnel may change, an institution should pride itself on its publication record. The aim of the study was to assess the publication history of Irish orthopaedic units over the last 5 years, and to identify patterns of publication.
Methods
Using the same criteria used to differentiate candidates applying for the specialist registrar posts, we performed an extensive Pub Med search of each consultant affiliated with each orthopaedic unit in the country for the last 5 years (2004-2008) to assess the number of publications by each respective consultant and unit. Only the most senior publishing orthopaedic consultant, and the specific institution cited received credit for each paper. Publications were classified by individuals, institutions, publication type and impact factor.
Results
239 papers were published from 22 orthopaedic units over the 5 years, in 69 different journals. 56 consultants had at least one senior author publication, 7 consultants had more than ten publications. Teaching hospitals and units affiliated with research laboratories performed well. Some smaller units perform well when the average papers-per-consultant ratio is applied. Impact factors of the journals targeted varied considerably and reveals in interesting duality among authors when opting for profile or prestige.
Conclusions
This audit provides an insight into the volume, quantity and quality of publications produced by Irish orthopaedic units over the last 5 years. With the current difficulties with regards to funding research, both consultants and orthopaedic units need to be more brand-conscious when submitting papers for publication.
