Evolution of Nursing Science: Is Open Access the Answer?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Scholarly Communication

Background:

• The open access movement aims to increase scientific exchange by making journal content freely available online.
• This movement presents both advantages and disadvantages that warrant careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the pros and cons of the open access movement.
• To investigate quality issues within the context of nursing science's evolution.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of open access models.
• Examination of quality control mechanisms in open access nursing journals.

Main Results:

• Open access can enhance dissemination but may introduce quality control challenges.
• The evolution of nursing science necessitates a thorough evaluation of open access impacts.

Conclusions:

• The open access movement's benefits for scientific exchange must be balanced against potential quality concerns.
• Further research is needed to ensure the integrity and advancement of nursing science in the open access era.