Authorship and Characteristics of Articles in Pharmacy Journals: Changes Over a 20-Year Interval

Abstract

Significant changes in authorship patterns and characteristics of articles were observed from 1989 to 2009. We found an increase in the number of authors per article over time, with fewer single-author papers now published. The explanations for the changes are likely multifactorial, including increased pressure to publish, increased research complexity, and inappropriate authorship. To prevent inappropriate author-number inflation and to preserve authorship's meaning and value, authors should adhere to the criteria for authorship from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

Policies of dental journals for reporting and monitoring authorship and contributorship

“…3,4 In fact, the number of authors per paper has increased in recent years. [11][12][13][14] Possible explanations for this phenomenon may include the need for publishing, increased research complexity (mainly in the area of clinical trials, where several centres may be involved), and inappropriate authorship. 13 Inappropriate authorship may occur in different situations, such as when chairmen systematically sign as the last author or at any intermediate position in the papers of their subordinate researchers.…”

“…[11][12][13][14] Possible explanations for this phenomenon may include the need for publishing, increased research complexity (mainly in the area of clinical trials, where several centres may be involved), and inappropriate authorship. 13 Inappropriate authorship may occur in different situations, such as when chairmen systematically sign as the last author or at any intermediate position in the papers of their subordinate researchers. 15 According to the ICMJE guidelines, to sign as an author, the chairmen or research supervisors should actively participate in the research development and experimentation.…”

Writing a letter to the editor

“…3 In recent years, there has been an increasing number of authors per article and a high prevalence of honorary authorship. 4,5 Several journals have now set limits on the number of authors listed on a letter.…”

Perspectives sur les possibilités de publications pharmaceutiques au Canada

“…Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, les pharmaciens lisent notamment des journaux pharmaceutiques qui paraissent grâce à la contribution de certains de leurs pairs et d'autres professionnels. Il existe peu de données sur la publication scientifique par les pharmaciens [2][3][4][5][6] . Au Canada, on recense environ 30 000 pharmaciens, dont 75 % exercent en pratique communautaire, 20 % en établissements de santé et 5 % dans d'autres sphères 7 .…”

“…Vie professionnelle et médias sociaux : le cas de l'URPP L'implantation du web depuis les années 1990 a bouleversé la gestion de l'information, les échanges entre les personnes et les entreprises. Si le courriel demeure un véhicule de communication privilégié, les internautes recourent de plus en plus aux réseaux sociaux, aux blogues, aux wikis et autres outils web facilitant le travail en équipe [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . Ces outils sont souvent utilisés avec succès par des organismes lors de campagnes médiatiques.…”