Clinical Scorecard: Open Access Has a Dirty Secret, Surgical Editors Say
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Open Access Publishing Challenges |
| Key Mechanisms | Shift of publication costs from readers to authors through article processing charges (APC). |
| Target Population | Authors, particularly from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and unfunded investigators globally. |
| Care Setting | Academic and research institutions. |
Key Highlights
- APCs can limit participation in scholarly publishing for researchers in LMIC.
- Standard APCs vary significantly based on geographic purchasing power.
- 50% of surgical journals now operate under open or hybrid models.
- Major medical publishers report revenues exceeding $10 billion.
- Equitable access to publishing impacts scientific representation and patient care.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify barriers to publication for authors in LMIC.
Management
- Waive APCs for authors from low-income countries and LMICs.
- Minimize fees for researchers without grant or institutional support.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess the impact of APC waivers on publication rates and diversity.
Risks
- Potential misuse of authorship to avoid charges.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Authors and researchers in surgical fields.
Transformative agreements may facilitate OA publishing but often have caps on fees.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement transparent waiver policies for APCs.
- Define minimal fees clearly to prevent misuse.
References
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
