The Basics of Journal Manuscript Review: Learning Research Through Critical Review

SACME Annual Meeting | Members only session

Presenters: 

1. Jack Kues, PhD, CHCP, FACEHP – Associate Dean for Continuous Professional Development, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
2. Simon C. Kitto, PhD – Professor, University of Ottawa; JCEHP Editor

Abstract:

Background

Many SACME members have expressed interest in increasing their knowledge of basic research methods and, ultimately, conducting research as part of their professional careers. As part of the needs assessment that was conducted for the SACME Mentorship program, we learned that improved research skills and scholarly products were a high priority in the society. Additionally, the process of submitting a manuscript and review by the editor and reviewers is very much a mystery to many people. Finally, we believe that participation in the review process improves understanding of the process and is an excellent way to improve overall understanding of basic research principles.

Description

This session is designed for individuals who include, or wish to include, research and scholarship as part of their jobs and careers. The primary goals of the session are to introduce participants to skills and process of being a manuscript reviewer for a professional peer-reviewed journal. Presenters will provide an overview of the peer-review process and the general principles of critically reading manuscripts. Presenters will also describe the general principles of providing constructive feedback to authors and journal editors. Most of the session will be devoted to hands-on exercises involving actual reviews of manuscript segments. The presenters anticipate that most of this will be accomplished in small groups. Participants who are interested, will be invited to become apprentice reviewers for JCEHP. Regardless of whether participants are inclined to become journal peer-reviewers, the session will provide important knowledge for those who are considering submitting their research to a peer-reviewed journal.

Format

Pre-work:  Attendees will be provided with a manuscript 2 weeks prior to the workshop. They will be asked to read the manuscript and bring it to the workshop.

Workshop outline: The 120-minute workshop will follow the agenda described below. Participants will be placed in small groups to complete a manuscript review tool. Each group will report out on their critical review of the manuscript and Drs. Kues and Kitto will lead a discussion on key elements of manuscript review and developing comments to the editor and authors. Dr. Kitto will provide a summary of the editorial process from submission, review, disposition of initial manuscripts, resubmission and final acceptance. Dr. Kues will provide a wrap-up that will discuss the interplay between authors, reviewers, and journal editors. He will also describe a new reviewer “intern” program for attendees who are interested in becoming manuscript reviewers for JCEHP.

Target Audience

Individuals with low to moderate experience and training in research and who are interested in developing research as a career goal.

Individuals with an interest in becoming a manuscript reviewer for JCEHP or similar journals.

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the process of peer-review for professional journals in the field of health professions education.
2. To critically read theoretical and research manuscripts submitted to professional journals for peer-review.
3. To provide clear and actionable feedback to manuscript authors and journal editors.