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Medical Sciences Library

Journal Clubs

Strategies

Journal clubs often focus on general topics related to a discipline or profession. Organizers can choose specific themes for discussion that are relevant to the group, such as the ones listed below.

Evidence-Based

  • Focus on Clinical Relevance: Articles are selected based on their impact on clinical practice. Sessions typically focus on a particular disease or treatment modality.
  • Integration with Clinical Cases: Articles may be selected based on their relevance to specific clinical cases emphasizing the application of research findings to real-world clinical scenarios.
  • Critical Appraisal Tools: Structured tools and checklists like CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) are used to guide the evaluation.
  • Application to Practice: Discussions emphasize how the findings can be integrated into clinical practice.

Health Systems Science

  • Topic-Centered: Journal clubs may also focus on topics of broad interest such as ethics, health informatics, health care and research policies, patient safety, and quality improvement.

  • Expert Insights: Inviting experts to provide deeper insights into the topic can enhance the discussion.

Social Determinants of Health

  • Focus: Selected articles may report on new and emerging barriers to health or solutions to health challenges.
  • Specific Topics: Meetings may rotate topics on factors that impact health such as poverty, transportation, health literacy, education, and employment. Examples of topical journal clubs from the literature include rural health, health equity and social justice.

Choosing the right format for a journal club depends on the goals of the group, the preferences of its members, and the resources available. Below are common formats used for journal clubs.

Synchronous (Traditional)

  • Article Selection: Articles are chosen by a rotating facilitator or through group consensus and shared with the group in advance.
  • Presentation: Regular meetings take place in a live setting, either in-person or online. A facilitator presents the article, summarizing key points and findings. A presentation template may be used to ensure discussions follow a consistent structure and achieve the learning aims of the journal club.
  • Discussion: The group engages in a critical discussion, evaluating the methodology, results, and implications for research or patient care.

Asynchronous

  • Presentation: Articles may be shared with participants through links or online reference managers.
  • Discussion: Participants may digitally annotate and share notes on articles or use engagement tools for discussion.

Single vs. Multiple Article

  • Single-Article Format: One article is discussed in-depth per session.
  • Multiple-Article Format: Two or more articles on a similar topic are compared providing a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.

By incorporating active learning techniques and tools, journal clubs can effectively enhance participation creating an environment for active, team-based learning and critical thinking.

Gamification

  • Q&A: Incorporate quizzes related to the papers and award incentives for performance. This can be a fun way to reinforce learning and boost participation.
  • Teamwork: Divide participants into teams and award points for their collective performance on quiz questions related to the discussed articles.

Debates

  • Opposing Evidence: Facilitators present opposing evidence to answer a research or clinical question.
  • Challenging Topics: Selected articles highlight current or emerging topics in research and health care that are frequently debated.

Online/Virtual

  • Remote Participation: Involves use of video conferencing tools to allow synchronous participation from different locations making it easier for participants to join. Online discussion boards or messaging apps can be used for asynchronous participation.
  • Digital Resources: Articles and supplementary materials are shared electronically. Digital tools for sharing, annotating, and discussing papers may be used.
  • Interactive Tools: Online polls, chat functions, and breakout rooms can be used to reinforce learning and generate more discussion.

The articles referenced below describe innovative strategies for enhancing participant learning and engagement in journal clubs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  1. Lindqwister AL, Hassanpour S, Lewis PJ, Sin JM. AI-RADS: An Artificial Intelligence Curriculum for Residents. Acad Radiol. 2021;28(12):1810-1816. doi:10.1016/j.acra.2020.09.017
    • Uses a journal club structure to teach radiology residents about implications of AI on radiology practice
    • Utilizes papers with companion study guides developed by faculty to help participants understand papers

Asynchronous and Virtual

  1. Brown TA, Alterio M, Stiles EC, et al. Surgical journal clubs: Navigating the post-pandemic landscape. Am J Surg. Published online March 11, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.03.002
    • Targets surgery students, residents, faculty, and rural surgeons
    • Incorporates visual abstracts with audio commentary and use of generative AI

Gamification

  1. Allon S, Baggett A, Hayes B, et al. Association of a Gamified Journal Club on Internal Medicine Residents' Engagement and Critical Appraisal Skills. J Grad Med Educ. 2023;15(4):475-480. doi:10.4300/JGME-D-22-00812.1
    • Incorporates team-based learning and competition
    • Measures learning and engagement outcomes through pre-post surveys and Berlin Questionnaire
  2. Carvalho-Filho MA, Santos TM, Ozahata TM, Cecilio-Fernandes D. Journal Club Challenge: enhancing student participation through gamification. Med Educ. 2018;52(5):551. doi:10.1111/medu.13552
    • Utilizes a Q&A competition between teams in lieu of a formal presentation
    • Reports improvements in motivation and engagement

Flipped

  1. Bounds R, Boone S. The Flipped Journal Club. West J Emerg Med. 2018;19(1):23-27. doi:10.5811/westjem.2017.11.34465
    • Incorporates discussion of landmark or background articles and related podcasts or social media/blog posts
    • Focuses on one controversial clinical topic per month
    • Uses small group discussion and facilitator guides (examples provided)
    • Measures educational outcomes and engagement through surveys
  2. Golden A. Teaching graduate research skills in genomics via an integrated 'flipped' journal club program. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2023;51(1):57-64. doi:10.1002/bmb.21694