Results of a survey regarding the publication of scientific results in German-speaking countries

Objective: Veterinarians should conduct diagnostic and therapeutic procedures according to the most recent and scientifically proven methods. Therefore, a rapid and-effective transfer of scientific information is crucial. An important link between science and practice are ! findings published in scientific journals. The productivity of scientists is; often measured referring to the number of papers published in reputable journals. Because many of these journals publish in the English language, it is possible that results from German research may never reach German veterinarians or only after a delay. Material and methods: Using an online questionnaire, faculty members (professors and scientific assistants) from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were; asked how they had published their results during the previous; 5 years. Furthermore, they were asked to identify the factors influencing their choice of journal for publication. Results: A total of 118 respondents completed the questionnaire. Nearly two thirds had published ten or more papers during the previous 5 years. More than half of these were published in the English language. Most participants consider the peer review process suitable for enhancing the quality of publications. The impact factor is seen as a fair indicator for the quality of a paper while considered an important factor for the choice of a; journal for publication of the respondents own results. Conclusion and clinical relevance: According to the data, respondents prefer to; publish their results in the English language and in journals with a high impact factor. Therefore, veterinarians may never receive this information via German journals or only after a delay. One possible solution could be a regularly published practice-oriented compilation of, relevant scientific findings.