Strategies for Holding Successful Journal Clubs: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Journal club is a well-known method for reviewing new scientific articles and information in different fields of medical sciences. This study aimed to explore the strategies for holding successful journal clubs at the Faculty of Health Management and Medical Informatics of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was done by interviewing nine academics and postgraduate students at the Faculty of Management and Medical Informatics. One interview was conducted with each participant. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, and notes were taken during interviews. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. Results: Based on the results, the most important strategies for successful journal clubs were holding journal clubs at an appropriate time, having someone in charge of organizing the facilities and content, and letting everyone participate in the discussion. Moreover, article appraisal should be taught to participants beforehand. Conclusions: Although journal clubs are routinely and correctly held in many great universities around the world, this task is still not performed adequately and effectively in many educational centers in Iran. More effort should be put into holding organized and appropriate journal clubs.