Response time of high impact factor medical journals versus an expert-curated, online oncology platform before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

465 Background: The objective of this study was to characterize the publication speed of high impact factor medical journals (HIFMJ) compared with the dissemination speed of a private, expert-curated, online platform (ECOP) designed for oncologists. We also aimed to describe determinants of response speed to questions on this platform. Methods: We selected 100 HIFMJ and calculated their reported peer review time (Submission to Acceptance [STA]). The platform database was queried between the dates 2017 and 2022 with information collected about day of query, response time (RespT), and poster gender, region, and medical school graduation year. This data was analyzed utilizing univariable median regression analyses and two t-tests as appropriate. Results: Of the 26 available medical journal response times, the average STA was 57.36 days (range: 2.6 - 204 days). Of the 4,346 online platform questions and answers (Q+A), the mean RespT was noted to be significantly lower at 2.63 days (CI, 2.19 - 3.07 days). With the ECOP, the mean RespT for male posters (mean: 2.58 days; CI, 2.08 - 3.08) and female posters (mean: 2.72 days, CI, 1.89 - 3.56) was not significantly different (p=0.61). RespT from 2017 to 2019 increased slightly (p<0.001) before trending down during the COVID pandemic (p<0.02). Mean RespT before the Covid pandemic in the United States, March 15, 2020 (2.68 days, CI, 2.11 - 3.25), was non-significantly reduced as compared with questions after March 15, 2020 (2.17 days, CI, 1.88 - 2.46, p=0.13). Conclusions: Traditional peer review proves a lengthy process in contrast to real-time, Q+A-based oncology platforms. An ECOP allows physicians the ability to provide their expertise regarding rare, nuanced patient cases in order to better ensure all patients receive the highest level of clinical care. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to share medically curated information to ensure safe and effective oncologic care in a timely manner proved imperative, as information regarding the virus was evolving rapidly. During this unprecedented time, this platform provided oncologists with a novel way to quickly vet case reports and disseminate scientific information. This, in turn, translated into cancer care “best practices” during a rapidly evolving crisis.