Dear HIFA colleagues,
Joanna Donnelly introduced our discussion on behalf of the HIFA Open Access working group. She asked:
1. How important is open access publishing for healthcare professionals?
Our discussion suggests that everyone appreciates the main benefit of open access publishing: that it is free to access for anyone with an internet connection. Researchers appreciate it for the increased visibility that it gives to their work.
Our discussion has focused on open access to the full text of research papers. We have not heard any examples where access to the full text of a research paper has helped to inform a clinical decision or saved a life. Arguably, the priority for healthcare professionals is to have access to evidence 'further along' the global evidence ecosystem, such as synthesised evidence (systematic reviews and clinical guidelines) and repackaged evidence (such as decision aids and formularies).
We have asked ChatGPT: Has access to the full text of research ever saved a life? ChatGPT has not been able to provide an example and we haven't yet received any examples from HIFA members.
Can anyone comment further on the importance for healthcare professionals of access to the full text of research? Has access to the full text of research ever saved a life?
2. What are the perceived benefits and barriers of open access publishing for healthcare professionals, as readers and users of scientific content?
Free accesss is described as the main benefit and article processing charges are the main barrier.
3. What is the impact of *not* publishing open access on healthcare professionals, especially for those who *do not* have access via an institutional subscription?
If a paper is behind a paywall, many healthcare professionals will not have access. Some of those in high-income countries have access to such content through instituional subscriptions. Some of those in LMICs have access through Hinari. The impact of not having access to the full text of individual research papers remains unclear.
We look forward to your comments on any of the above. Please email: hifa@hifaforums.org
Many thanks, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org