Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose

Editorials in BJA Education are deliberately few and far between. They are only published in response to a major change in the content or activities of the journal; the last was when we introduced the essential notes format of article in 2019.¹ This editorial is to highlight that this may be the last time you receive the printed copy of BJA Education as a member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA).



The format of BJA Education and its predecessors CEACCP and CEPD Reviews has remained largely unchanged over the past 22 years. Our content is a monthly collection of narrative reviews relevant to all aspects of professional practice in anaesthesia, critical care, pain and perioperative medicine. Feedback surveys have shown that the journal is well received, and our articles are widely read both in the UK and worldwide. Approximately 18,000 fellows and members of the RCoA can access BJA Education in print and online; we have more than 1300 other members or personal subscribers and more than 700 institutional subscriptions; and approximately 4000 institutions offer access to BJA Education via publishing consortia.² We have gradually introduced a number of developments such as podcasts; a provision for online CPD with certification; and inclusion in the online search tool PubMed Central last year. Although the journal continues to evolve, the editorial team has adopted an ‘if it ain't broke don't fix it’ approach to developments, which has served us well. Our continued success is reflected by the gradual increase in full-text article downloads of BJA Education articles over the past 4 yrs to our highest ever number of 1,221,236 in 2021.



The directors and board of the BJA and the RCoA have discussed the move to an electronic-only format for some time. Several other journals and organisations are at various stages of moving to an online-only offering. There are clear potential advantages, including the cost savings and a reduced environmental impact achieved by stopping the printing and distribution of large numbers of printed journals. Conversely, there are drawbacks for readers who may prefer the feel, familiarity, portability and accessibility of high-quality printed material that does not rely on a robust internet or Wi-Fi connection, which are not always reliable in areas of many hospitals. Arguably the greatest American basketball coach of all time, John Wooden, was renowned as a motivator, mentor and inspirational leader. Amongst his many quotes is ‘Although there is no progress without change, not all change is progress’. Readers use different scientific or educational offerings in different ways and whereas an e-only offering may suit certain journals or communications, it may be less attractive for readers of a less immediate educational journal. Nevertheless, the management teams of BJA journals and the RCoA took the considered decision together to move to an online-only version of the BJA from January 2022 for RCoA members, and BJA Education will move from next month. After that, RCoA fellows and members will no longer receive printed copies automatically.



The BJA Education editorial board recognise that this presents several opportunities to develop our content into a format that is more suited to the screen than the printed page. Some things will change, but others will not. The scope and basic format of articles in BJA Education will remain as will the primary aim of producing high-quality articles with a provision for CPD on a monthly basis. ‘Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose’ to a large degree, at least in terms of our content. However, we do plan to embrace the possibilities that electronic publishing brings; the board has been working with our publisher on incremental changes to the appearance and presentation of our articles and website. The first is the introduction of articles presented on the website as flipbooks; several other developments will be tested and introduced over the coming months.



Please note that readers who access BJA Education via routes other than as a membership benefit from the RCoA will still receive the journal in print form, although this is under review. For RCoA members who prefer, there is a temporary arrangement whereby you can still receive BJA Education in print form for 12 months up to June 2023. However, to take advantage of this you must contact the membership team at the RCoA by emailing membership@rcoa.ac.uk and inform them that you wish to opt in to receive printed copies of BJA Education whilst they are available.



I am happy to hear your feedback about these changes and other matters related to BJA Education via our editorial office admin@bja-education.org or jt23@le.ac.uk.

Declaration of interests

JT is editor-in-chief of BJA Education, a past editor and board member of the BJA, and a member of council of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.