Should the Eigenfactor Replace the Impact Factor?: A Bibliometric Study of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic...

Area of Science:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Bibliometrics
• Journal evaluation

Background:

• The impact factor (IF) is widely used but faces criticism for unbiased journal impact evaluation.
• Alternative citation-based bibliometric indices have been developed to address IF limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of various bibliometric indices in evaluating journal impact within plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• To determine correlations between the impact factor (IF), Eigenfactor, and Article Influence Score.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of all plastic and reconstructive surgery journals.
• Extraction of bibliometric indices from relevant sources.
• Calculation of Pearson correlation coefficients to assess relationships between indices.

Main Results:

• All correlations between bibliometric indices were positive and statistically significant.
• The IF showed moderate association with Eigenfactor (r = 0.632) and strong association with Article Influence Score (r = 0.962).

Conclusions:

• Eigenfactor and Article Influence Score may offer a more comprehensive evaluation of journal impact in plastic and reconstructive surgery compared to the IF.
• These indices account for a broader journal scope and exclude self-citations, enhancing their utility.
• Collaborative use of Eigenfactor and other bibliometrics with the IF can provide a more extensive assessment of journal scientific impact.