Publishing your work

Abstract

The importance of publishing and disseminating research and clinical practice work for wider use is well known. This dissemination is an important and integral part of the research process, as it provides wider audiences with the benefit of the work undertaken, and allows for broad critique. Dissemination through peer-reviewed journals can take many forms including original research reports, reviews of literature (many of which will grade the evidence available for particular research questions), the presentation of case studies that will be of clinical importance and interest, reports of clinical trial protocols, or, on occasion, informed opinion pieces and editorials. Selecting the best outlet for your work (depending on its nature) can be tricky, and needs to be well considered in relation to the optimal audience and reach. The increasing number of journals in the sport and exercise medicine and science areas provides greater choice in selecting appropriate avenues for dissemination. Despite an increasing number of journals that publish work in the sports medicine and sports science disciplines, journals face a growing number of submissions for consideration. This often results in journal editors having to make difficult decisions about which papers they consider most worthy for publication, and the best fit for their journal. As such, a consequent number of good papers find it difficult to get published. The aim of this panel discussion is to allow participants to gain an understanding about the process of getting their work accepted for publication, and to provide some insight into the importance of the peer review process in evaluating work for publication.