Dear readers, authors, esteemed colleagues, and members of the Spanish Society of Quality in Healthcare, it is with immense pleasure and pride that we share a momentous achievement in the history of the Journal of Healthcare Quality Research. After 38 years of dedicated service to the healthcare community, our journal (initially “Control de Calidad”, posteriorly “Revista de Calidad Asistencial”) has been bestowed with it's first-ever Impact Factor. This significant milestone marks a turning point for our publication and validates the exceptional quality and impact of the research we have been privileged to display over the years.
Despite its limitations, the impact factor1 is a widely recognized metric used to evaluate the influence and importance of scholarly journals within a particular field of study. It measures the average number of citations received by articles published in a journal during a specific period. In essence, the Impact Factor serves as a quantitative measure of a journal's reach, influence, and contribution to scientific discourse within its respective discipline.
The impact factor attempts to measure the repercussion that a journal has obtained in the scientific community. Although it is not exact, it is the most widely used instrument for comparing journals and evaluating the relative importance of a particular journal within a given scientific field. The impact factor reflects the editorial management of the journal. The JHQR has published 38 issues, with more than 320 peer-reviewed manuscripts, covering 23 countries. During the last two years, more than 30% of our papers were published in English.
Updated annually, the impact factor of a journal in the year 2022 refers to the number of times that articles published in that journal during the period 2020 and 2021 have been cited in 2022.2,3 The databases Journal Citation Reports (JCR)1 and Web of Science (WOS) both provide journal impact factors.
The attainment of an impact factor holds tremendous significance for the Journal of Healthcare Quality Research. It signifies recognition and acknowledgment from the academic and research community for the exceptional work published within our journal. This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our authors, reviewers and editorial board members, who have played an integral role in shaping the journal's reputation as a trusted platform for advancing healthcare quality research.
For our authors and contributors, earning an IF increases the visibility and impact of their research findings. The recognition bestowed upon the journal will attract a broader readership, increasing the chances of their work being cited and acknowledged by fellow researchers. This validation not only enhances individual career prospects but also fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts in healthcare quality.
The impact factor will probably act as a catalyst, propelling the Journal of Healthcare Quality Research into a new stage of excellence and influence. This recognition motivates us to continue promoting and disseminating cutting-edge research addressing healthcare systems worldwide's pressing challenges. With a higher profile, we can attract an even broader range of high-quality submissions, further fueling innovation and progress in healthcare quality improvement.
The Editorial Committee is committed to building upon this achievement. We envision a future where our journal becomes a definitive resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, helping to shape evidence-based practices and policies that enhance the quality and safety of patient care.
The acquisition of an impact factor after 38 years is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare quality research. We sincerely thank our contributors, readers, and the broader healthcare community for their unwavering support. Together, we can drive transformative change and improve patient outcomes through rigorous research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. The Journal of Healthcare Quality Research stands resolute in its mission to champion the advancement of healthcare quality and remains dedicated to empowering researchers and practitioners on their journey toward excellence.
We want to express our warm gratitude to the Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality for their trust in our editorial committee. Their continued support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the purpose and vision of the Journal of Healthcare Quality Research. We are truly grateful for their dedication to promoting excellence in healthcare and their commitment to advancing the field of quality improvement.
Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge and honor all the past and present editors who have contributed their time, expertise, and unwavering commitment to maintaining the high standards of our journal. Their dedication and hard work have been vital in shaping the journal's trajectory and ensuring the quality and integrity of the research published.
We are excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges as we move forward. The attainment of an impact factor drives us to strive for even more remarkable achievements in the future. We are confident in our ability to continue making significant contributions to healthcare quality research.
The Journal of Healthcare Quality Research stands resolute in its mission to champion the advancement of healthcare quality. It remains dedicated to empowering researchers and practitioners on their journey toward excellence. Together, we can build a future where every patient receives safe and effective care.
Moving forward, we acknowledge the challenge ahead – to maintain and even increase our impact factor by consistently publishing relevant and high-quality articles. As a Journal committed to advancing healthcare quality research, we understand that this achievement is the beginning of our journey. We must remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence, continuously seeking groundbreaking research the ever-evolving challenges in healthcare management.
By maintaining a diverse and comprehensive range of topics, we aim to cater to the multidimensional nature of healthcare quality improvement. By nurturing a vibrant network of healthcare quality researchers, we can collectively strive toward innovation and drive impactful change in healthcare delivery.
As we embark on this new chapter, we invite all stakeholders – authors, reviewers, readers, and partners – to join us in our shared mission. Together, we can continue to elevate the Journal of Healthcare Quality Research as a beacon of excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare and ultimately improving patient outcomes worldwide.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with our unwavering dedication and the support of our esteemed community, we are confident in our ability to surpass expectations and make a lasting impact in the field of healthcare quality research.
