344 The World Neurosurgery Global Champions Program: First-year Experience of a Model Initiative for Reducing Disparities in Global Neurosurgical Literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Most surgical journals are published in English, representing a challenge for individuals from non-Anglophone countries and contributing to disparities in research globally. METHODS: The GCP was advertised via the journal website and social media. Applicants were selected to be a reviewer for the GCP if they demonstrated English proficiency. Authors received information about the program if their article was rejected on the basis of poor English language. The workflow is shown.The demographics of GCP members and characteristics and outcomes of articles edited by the GCP during its first year were reviewed. Surveys of GCP members and authors who used the service were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-one individuals became part of the GCP, representing 8 countries and 16 languages apart from English. A total of 380 manuscripts were peer-reviewed and a final decision given by the editor-in-chief to have potentially worthwhile content but rejected due to poor language. The authors of these manuscripts were informed of the existence of this language assistance program. Forty-nine articles (12.9%) were edited by the GCP in 41.6 ± 22.8 days. Of 40 articles resubmitted to World Neurosurgery, 24 (60.0%) were accepted. GCP members and authors understood the purpose and workflow of the program and recognized improvements in article quality and the probability of acceptance through their participation. CONCLUSIONS: The World Neurosurgery Global Champions Program mitigated a critical barrier to publication in an English language journal for authors from non-Anglophone countries and promoted research equity by providing a free, largely medical student and trainee operated, English language editing service. This model or a similar service can be replicated by other journals.