JPAE Achieves Recognition by Scopus, Manuscripts Sought

The Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE) is now officially recognized by Scopus, the largest existing abstract and citation database of research literature and Web sources. The database is updated daily and indexes 16,000-plus peer-reviewed journals from more than 4,000 publishers.

“This is an important step in the journal’s recognition,” said JPAE Editor in Chief Eugene Jones, who initiated the application to Scopus. “The more ways other researchers can find out about our publications and authors, the better for PA education.” JPAE authors and their work will now be easier to find from around the globe.

A Scopus banner will be placed on the JPAE site. The journal is also indexed on the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), a comprehensive resource for nursing and allied health literature. CINAHL, which offers four databases including two full-text versions, is owned and operated by EBSCO Publishing, through which most libraries connected with the PA programs subscribe to JPAE.

All PA Faculty Encouraged to Publish
The Scopus recognition may increase the incentive for PA faculty and others to publish in the journal. JPAE has many avenues through which to publish manuscripts and offers assistance through its editorial advisory board for those who may need a helping hand through the process of turning an idea into a manuscript ready for submission.

In addition to peer-reviewed research and special articles, the journal publishes articles under a number of feature banners: Abstracts and Brief Reports, Academic Law, Cultural Perspectives, Evidence-Based Medicine, Exploring Medicine Through the Arts, Global Perspectives, Higher Education, Just Ethics, Medical Director Dialogue, Postgraduate PA Education, Student Forum, and Technology and Education. For those who may be new to the world of scholarly publishing, these features provide a wonderful way to “get your feet wet.” Submissions to these features should be sent directly to the relevant feature editors and included in each issue of JPAE.

One feature that is particularly helpful for budding researchers is Abstracts and Brief Reports. These are often shorter, research-based pieces that do not qualify for full peer review because they are based on single program studies or small sample sizes. However, they often point to interesting preliminary conclusions and possibilities for further research.

Articles intended for publication as research or special articles must be submitted through the JPAE’s eJournalPress Web portal, which tracks the manuscript submission, review process, and correspondence online. If you would like some ideas on turning an idea into a publishable article and would like to speak to a member of the editorial advisory board for assistance, you may view their contact information here or contact journal staff Steven Lane, (703) 548-5538, ext. 310, slane@paeaonline.org; or Eileen Evans, (703) 548-5538, ext. 307, eevans@paeaonline.org.

The journal is also planning some activities at the 2009 PAEA Annual Education Forum that are designed to help more faculty turn their research ideas into manuscripts.