Is an indexed database publications database for the Asia Pacific region feasible?

Abstract

Abstract: The need to share information and raise the profile of family medicine and general practice in the Asia Pacific can be addressed by Asia Pacific Family Medicine journal and an indexed database of Asia Pacific publications and reports, accessible via the Internet. A collaborative project to develop and maintain the Asia Pacific Indexed Database (APID) will facilitate ongoing international collaboration and the sharing of information among Asia Pacific countries and, if implemented within the Wonca (World) Internet-based resource and portal, the world. The technical design, management and organization policies and strategies will be user focused and guided by the needs of member countries. The APID will add value to member countries’ publication databases by providing international peer review, creating an English language version where the original publication is in the local language, and making them available to a wider audience. Index terms will be derived from Medical Subject Headings and International Classification of Primary Care Version 2. Viable and sustainable partnerships among publishers, pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment suppliers, information and communication technology companies, and universities are common strategies. These partnerships often require long term sponsors such as governments, commercial organizations or aid agencies such as World Health Organization, World Bank and Reuters. The Wonca (Asia Pacific) indexed database of publications and reports is a symbolic, yet practical, concept with the potential to facilitate a convergence of the activities and expertise of the Asia Pacific region to coordinate and enhance multicultural family medicine research, education and care.