van Rossum, M (van Rossum, M.); Bosker, BH (Bosker, B. H.); Pierik, EGJM (Pierik, E. G. J. M.); Verheyen, CCPM (Verheyen, C. C. P. M.) Geographic origin of publications in surgical journals BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 94 (2): 244-247 FEB 2007

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: c.c.p.m.verheyen at isala.nl 

Author(s): van Rossum, M (van Rossum, M.); Bosker, BH (Bosker, B. H.); 
Pierik, EGJM (Pierik, E. G. J. M.); Verheyen, CCPM (Verheyen, C. C. P. M.) 

Title: Geographic origin of publications in surgical journals 

Source: BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 94 (2): 244-247 FEB 2007 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Keywords Plus: JAPAN CONTRIBUTION; COUNTRIES PUBLISH; CARE JOURNALS; 
MEDICINE; ANESTHESIA; IMPACT; OUTPUT 
Abstract: Background: Publications in peer-reviewed journals are the main 
determinants of research rating and funding. The present study assesses 
worldwide scientific contributions in the field of surgical research.
Methods: Fifteen major surgical journals were selected for a bibliometric 
search in Medline/PubMed over a 6-year period (2000-2005). All articles 
with abstracts were totalled according to country of corresponding author. 
Publications (total and corrected for population size) and journal impact 
factor were assessed according to country.
Results: A total of 18 717 articles were identified. Fifteen countries 
generated 88.8 per cent of these: the USA produced 42.1 per cent, Japan 
9.1 per cent and the UK 7.6 per cent. When corrected for population size, 
the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland topped the ranking; the USA was 
sixth. Ireland and Switzerland scored the highest mean impact factor.

Conclusion: The USA is the most productive country in terms of absolute 
number of surgical publications in the selected journals. However, when 
population size is taken into consideration, certain smaller European 
countries were more prolific. 

Addresses: Isala Clin, Dept Gen & Orthopaed Surg, NL-8000 GM Zwolle, 
Netherlands 

Reprint Address: Verheyen, CCPM, Isala Clin, Dept Gen & Orthopaed Surg, 
POB 10500, NL-8000 GM Zwolle, Netherlands. 

Cited Reference Count: 18 

Times Cited: 1 

Publisher: JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 

Publisher Address: THE ATRIUM, SOUTHERN GATE, CHICHESTER PO19 8SQ, W 
SUSSEX, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 0007-1323 

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