A new year, a new Editor, a new Journal

How fitting at this time of renewal—of reviewing the past and looking to the future—that I, as the new Editor, welcome you to the new Journal of Family Practice.

What is my vision for the new JFP? To assure each of us in family practice that we have at hand the best information possible at the point of care. My mission is to “translate” the best evidence—supplemented by expert opinion when necessary—to inform and enhance clinical decision-making. My colleagues on the Board of Editors and I will hold every article to one simple test: Is this reliable, current information that our readers can use today or tomorrow to care for their patients, not 2 years from now on the Boards?

What can you expect from the new JFP? First, much more of the evidence-based features you have come to read and rely on:

• POEMs, the evaluations that tell you which important new clinical research findings apply to practice now. I really appreciated the Practice Recommendations written by Drs. O’Connor and Meurer, who evaluated the JAMA article on homocysteine-lowering therapy.
• Clinical Inquiries, the evidence-based answers to specific day-to-day questions regarding diagnosis and treatment that you and your colleagues are asking. Dr. Kelsberg gives a clear answer, based on a thorough evidence review, to the question, “How accurate is the clinical diagnosis of pneumonia?”.
• Applied Evidence, the articles that analyze all available evidence dealing with the clinical entities that are most troublesome to manage in every family practice, such as the chronic problems of obesity and acne.

We will be adding new features, like Photo Rounds, that offer varied approaches to presenting valid and relevant information. Here are a few ideas we are considering; let us know what you think:

• Spotlight on critical public health issues (from Norwalk virus to the latest vaccination recommendations).
• Practice guidelines (useful summaries of the most authoritative and practical work).
• Practice innovations (from technology to informatics).

Will the new JFP continue to publish original research? Yes, on a limited basis, and only if the Board of Editors judges that the research has immediate usefulness to our clinician readers. The article on use of a single question to screen for hearing loss in the elderly is a perfect example.

We hope you find our new graphic design appealing, with its larger, easier-to-read type and use of instructive medical illustrations. In this issue, a patient information handout includes an illustration of carpal tunnel syndrome.

I invite your comments and suggestions as the year goes by. Write me at JFP@fammed.uc.edu. We will look to you, our readers, for input as we make changes in the journal, and for feedback on how we are doing.

I also want to extend compliments to Mark Ebell, MD, MS, outgoing Editor. Mark’s name has become virtually synonymous with evidence-based medicine. His diligent pursuit of high standards in the Journal of Family Practice and his vision, backed by his sound intellect, has pushed our discipline to a higher plane. Join me in recognizing Mark’s outstanding contributions as an editor, mentor, colleague, and friend.

Welcome to the new JFP, and I hope you and your families will see all your dreams come true in the New Year.