Researchers found that articles in companion open access medical journals received about half as many citations as those in traditional journals despite $34.9 million in publication fees. Analyzing over 52,000 articles from 2011 to 2023 across internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology, researchers reported median processing charges of $2,000, with lower citation rates persisting over time. Female authors and those from low- and middle-income countries were more likely to publish in companion open access journals. Researchers recommended greater transparency, reduced costs, and blinded peer review to strengthen the open access model.

Source: Accountability in Research