A Scoping Review of Competencies for Scientific Editors of Biomedical Journals (PROTOCOL)

BACKGROUND.\nBiomedical journals are the most central conduit for disseminating biomedical research. Despite scientific (decision-making) editors playing a key role in determining a journal’s content, little formal training exists for them and there is no agreement on what competencies may be needed for them to be effective. Thus, the objectives of this scoping review are to conduct a systematic literature search on the competencies required for scientific editors and to classify them meaningfully. \nMETHODS.\nWe will search MEDLINE®, the Cochrane Library, Embase®, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and ERIC databases as well as conducting a thorough grey literature search. All relevant study designs, excluding letters and economic evaluations, that include data pertaining to the knowledge, roles or activities of scientific editors of health-related journals will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen abstracts and full-text articles. Data will be extracted by one researcher and verified by a second researcher.\nRESULTS.\nThe output will be a comprehensive list of statements and descriptions of potential competencies of scientific editors of biomedical journals.\nDISCUSSION \nThis scoping exercise will be primarily helpful for determining the gaps in our knowledge of the required competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals. This review will inform readers on the extent and nature of existing literature in this area, as well as the breadth of skills, abilities, aptitudes, tasks, knowledge, and training that may be necessary to fulfill this position. The review is also part of a larger project to develop a set of core competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals.