Publication Productivity in the Medical Radiation Sciences

Area of Science:

• Medical Radiation Sciences
• Health Professions Research
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Evidence-based practice in health professions relies on research dissemination via peer-reviewed journals.
• Journal quality metrics have limitations; publication productivity offers better strategic insights.
• Knowledge sharing is crucial for the growth of health professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze publication productivity and patterns in medical radiation sciences.
• To identify prolific authors and their contributions within the field.
• To guide professional and journal strategy through bibliometric analysis.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric data were collected from seven key international peer-reviewed journals (2009-2013).
• Medical radiation technologists (MRTs) with ≥2 publications were further investigated.
• PubMed and ResearchGate were used to identify additional publications by prolific authors.

Main Results:

• A total of 969 articles were published by 2,083 authors across the seven journals.
• 80.5% of authors published only once; 110 authors were sole authors.
• 165 MRTs published three or more articles during the study period.

Conclusions:

• MRTs are significant contributors to the knowledge base of medical radiation sciences.
• Active research by MRTs enhances the broader health community's understanding.
• Publication patterns provide valuable insights into professional contributions.