It can be quite challenging staying current with the flow of new evidence provided in the clinical research literature. In the midst of incredibly busy clinical schedules and long lists of professional responsibilities that each of us contends with, technological "progress" can both improve and complicate our lives. This month I want to take a few minutes to provide an overview of the many ways that the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy makes information quick and easy to access.
In addition to the print version of JGPT that arrives without fail on your desk 4 times per year, there are a number of "e-methods" to access articles and issues wherever you are. Check out our Web site http://www.jgpt.org; Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/JournalofGeriatricPhysicalTherapy, and our Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/JGPTonline). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) has also introduced a new downloadable app for iPhone users! Visit the iTunes app store and search for "LWW" to download the free mailto:Journals@LWW app.
Here are some of the things you can do online-quickly and easily!
* Search the archive of JGPT articles (2001 to present) by topic and save your searches to view again later.
* Access the full text of articles in HTML and PDF.
* Download articles in ePUB format to most eBook devices (ie, Apple iPad, Sony eReaders, B&N Nook).
* Read articles "Published ahead of Print" within 45 days of acceptance.
* Sign up to receive e-mail alerts for the JGPT "e-TOC" (electronic table of contents) to let you know as soon as new issues publish online.
* Keep up with the Most Popular articles, Most Emailed Articles, Featured Articles, and more....
* Create personal content collections (by topic, or author, etc).
* Export citations to reference management software.
* E-mail articles to your colleagues.
* Download images, figures, and tables to directly to PowerPoint files.
Being a bit of a dinosaur myself when it comes to using ever-expanding technology, I must give kudos and incredible thanks to Paul Gee of Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, our publisher, whose vision and expertise has made our development in the e-arena possible! I am excited about the strategies Paul and his team have put in place to make JGPT move visible, more accessible, and more user-friendly for clinicians, students, and researchers. We will soon be adding article collections (a collection of systematic reviews is ready now), suggestions for enhanced searching using MESH "key words," and a juried competition for cover art for upcoming issues (watch for details...).
Take advantage of the resources that the team has created for you! Have fun exploring the many options available at http://www.jgpt.org.
Michelle M. Lusardi