United states research published in major surgical journals is decreasing

Abstract

Objective: The authors hypothesized that less research performed in the United States was reported in the five major general surgical journals in 1993 than in 1983.

Summary background data: Academic surgeons believe they have less time and fewer funds for research than previously.

Methods: Five journals were analyzed for the number of pages and articles devoted to basic and clinical research in 1983 and 1993 and for the country in which the research was performed.

Results: The number of U.S. research pages and articles decreased over the past decade, and the number of non-U.S. pages and articles increased.

Conclusions: The reason(s) for the decrease in U.S. research reported in the general surgical journals should be studied, identified, and, if possible, rectified.