In January 2021, Malaysian Family Physician (MFP) introduced an online-first segment wherein approved articles were posted online before the release. Until December 2022, it released three publications annually. As of January 2023, MFP has shifted to a continuous publishing model, releasing articles as soon as they are ready for publication. This is in line with the growing trend towards continuous publication, wherein articles are made available online as soon as they are ready, without the need to wait for an issue to be compiled.
One potential benefit of continuous publication is its ability to improve the speed at which research findings are shared. In the field of family medicine, this can be particularly important, as timely access to new information can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions and provide better care for their patients.1
The model can be particularly valuable for family physicians, who may need to stay up to date with a wide range of topics to provide the best possible care to their patients. In addition, continuous publication can provide more flexibility in the way that articles are organised and curated.1
However, there are also potential drawbacks to continuous publication. Without a traditional issue-based publication structure, it may be more challenging for readers to identify and prioritise key research findings. This can be particularly problematic for family physicians, who may not have the time or resources to stay up to date with the latest research in every area of medicine.
Despite these challenges, continuous publication is likely to continue to grow in popularity as a mode of sharing medical research. Family physicians in Malaysia must remain engaged in this evolving landscape and continue to evaluate the quality of research findings, regardless of the mode of publication.
In conclusion, continuous publication oflers many potential benefits for family physicians in Malaysia, including more rapid dissemination of new research findings and increased flexibility in the organisation and curation of articles. However, the potential challenges posed by this new mode of publication must be considered, and the highest standards of research quality and patient care must be upheld.
References
- 1.Sage. Open access continuous publication. [April 28; 2023 ]. https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/open-access-continuous-publication#:~:text=Some%20benefits%20of%20continuous%20publication,accepted%20after%20peer%20review%20dictates [Google Scholar]