Assessing Anaesthesiologists as Paradigm for Surgical Disciplines Using Bibliometric Indices as Indicators of Research Output

Anesthesiology is a rapidly evolving field with an increasing emphasis on innovation and research to develop new techniques, drugs, and equipment and improve patient safety and outcomes. As the competitiveness for anesthesiology residency increases, postgraduate trainees and applicants are getting increasingly involved in academic projects.

Recently published study analyzed 2,146 abstracts accepted at ASA Annual Meetings from 2019 to 2021 to determine associations between bibliometric indices, such as h-indices and m-quotients, and manuscript publication in anesthesiology. Findings revealed that mean h-indices and m-quotients were significantly higher for accepted abstracts subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals. There was no statistical significance between these indices and the time between ASA presentation and publication. Abstract categories also showed varying publication rates, with clinical research having a higher acceptance rate. The study also highlighted the predictive power of h-indices and m-quotients on manuscript publication in anesthesiology. Moreover, the m-quotient was found to be more predictive than the h-index for manuscript publication odds. The publication rates of abstracts also varied, with certain categories having higher publication rates. The study acknowledged limitations such as the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more comprehensive bibliometric profiles for researchers. Overall, the study demonstrated the importance of bibliometric indices in predicting the likelihood of an abstract's evolution into a manuscript and its potential to reshape faculty recruitment and promotion strategies.

This pioneering study elucidates the predictive power of h-indices and m-quotients on manuscript publication in anesthesiology. This critical factor can magnify professional stature, bolster academic recognition, and elevate opportunities for advancement within the specialty.Despite the persistent interest in enhancing recruitment and promotion criteria for physician-researchers in anesthesiology, challenges in assessing academic scholarship quality and capability remain.

Reference -

Esmaeeli S, Binda D D, Rendon L F, et al. (January 26, 2024) Bibliometric Indices As Indicators of Research Output: Analyzing Anesthesiologists as a Paradigm for Surgical Disciplines. Cureus 16(1): e53028. doi:10.7759/cureus.53028.