All journals, Health Care Management Review included, play a major role in the dissemination of knowledge. Through the publication of papers in scholarly journals, information moves from theory and research into the practice arena so it can be tested. Practitioners then provide feedback to academicians so theory can be modified or further research accomplished. It is a continuing cycle through which the two worlds of practice and research continue to enrich one another.
Without question, reviewers for HCMR are consistent in ensuring that manuscripts explore implications for practice. This is part of the journal's mission and it is a value held by the editorial board.
It is at times perplexing that more practitioners do not write for publication. Many perform presentations for associations and their own organizations, which they use to explore thoughtful and provocative issues. Some present research that they have completed within their own organization or health care system. Nevertheless, only a limited amount makes it to the level of dissemination. It leads one to wonder, why is that?
Researchers define evidence-based practice as the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.1 Evidence-based practice has garnered media attention and is quickly moving to the forefront of the health care arena. Our contribution to evidence-based practice is to offer a balance between academia and service, ensuring that practitioners ultimately receive gold-standard information that is applicable to practice.
Yet few practitioners are willing to submit manuscripts. Perhaps they are intimidated by the prospect of seeing their work in print. Maybe they view writing as an undertaking outside the realm of their experience as clinicians. But if more practitioners do not take the chance to share with academicians the challenges they face in the field, the reciprocal cycle of research to practice and back to research comes to a stand still. And the foundation on which evidence-based practice stands becomes less balanced.
It is important to approach daily practice with sound theoretical and research applications. If we suffer from a knowledge deficit, that goal cannot be reached. From physicians to staff nurses, it is a challenge to keep up with the latest research. Administrators and managers must support practitioners' plans to incorporate that research, by building time into the work week for acquiring new knowledge.
We can help enrich that knowledge base by inviting more practitioners to submit manuscripts and publish papers. Information cannot move from the realm of research to practice if the service component of manuscripts is lacking. Encourage the practitioners you work with to help balance the cycle by sharing with us the work they do and the outcomes they enjoy.
It is with that admonition that I leave you in the capable hands of a new Editor-in-Chief, L. Michele Issel, PhD, RN, Clinical Associate Professor, UIC, School of Public Health, Chicago, IL. Over the past year and a half, it has been my pleasure to provide you with a diverse selection of manuscripts that include multidisciplinary application of principles and experience in health care administration. We have aimed to bring research and practice together by providing the service sectors with access to the wealth of information from academic research. HCMR will continue in that strategic direction, and we will welcome your feedback and your written contributions to the journal along the way.
SueEllen Pinkerton, PhD, RN, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief
REFERENCES