Abstract
The International Journal of Care Coordination is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the field of care coordination and integrated healthcare delivery. This review examines the journal’s history, scope, impact, and its significant contributions to the field. We analyze its publication trends, notable articles, and its role in shaping modern care coordination practices. Our findings highlight the journal’s crucial role in disseminating evidence-based research and its impact on improving patient care through better coordination across healthcare settings.
Introduction
The International Journal of Care Coordination has established itself as a key publication in the field of integrated healthcare delivery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the journal’s history, its current status, and its impact on the scientific and professional community in healthcare coordination.
Historical Background
The International Journal of Care Coordination was first published in 1997 under the title “Journal of Integrated Care Pathways.” In 2013, it was renamed to reflect its broader focus on care coordination across various healthcare settings. This evolution mirrored the growing recognition of the importance of coordinated care in improving patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Scope and Focus
The journal publishes original research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, and opinion pieces covering all aspects of care coordination and integrated care. Its scope includes:
- Models of care coordination
- Integrated care pathways
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Patient-centered care
- Transitions of care
- Health information technology in care coordination
- Policy issues related to integrated care
- Evaluation of care coordination initiatives
The journal maintains a balance between theoretical research and practical applications, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices.
Impact and Metrics
While the International Journal of Care Coordination is not currently indexed in the Journal Citation Reports, it is included in the Scopus database. The journal’s articles are frequently cited in the field of healthcare coordination, reflecting its influence on clinical practice and policy.
Publication Process
The journal follows a rigorous peer-review process. Manuscripts are initially screened by the editorial team and then sent to expert reviewers. The journal strives for a rapid review process, with accepted articles typically published online ahead of print.
Notable Contributions
Over its history, the International Journal of Care Coordination has published numerous influential papers. Some notable examples include:
- Studies on the effectiveness of various care coordination models
- Research on patient experiences with integrated care
- Investigations into the role of technology in facilitating care coordination
- Analyses of policy impacts on care coordination practices
Special Features
The journal offers several special features, including:
- Themed issues focusing on specific areas of care coordination
- Case studies of successful care coordination initiatives
- Commentaries from leading experts in the field
Adaptation to the Digital Age
In recent years, the International Journal of Care Coordination has embraced digital publishing technologies, offering:
- Online-first publication of accepted articles
- Multimedia supplements
- Open access options for authors
- Integration with social media platforms for broader dissemination of research
International Reach
True to its name, the International Journal of Care Coordination has a global scope. It receives submissions from authors worldwide and has an international readership, reflecting the universal challenges and opportunities in care coordination across different health systems and cultures.
Future Directions
As the field of care coordination continues to evolve, the journal is focusing on emerging areas such as:
- The impact of artificial intelligence and big data on care coordination
- Integration of social care with healthcare services
- Care coordination in the context of population health management
- Patient engagement technologies in coordinated care
Conclusion
The International Journal of Care Coordination has played a crucial role in advancing the field of integrated healthcare delivery over the past two decades. Its continued relevance and impact are testament to its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare while maintaining high scientific and professional standards. As the field continues to evolve, the journal is well-positioned to remain a key platform for sharing innovative research and practical insights in care coordination.
References
- International Journal of Care Coordination. About the Journal. SAGE Publishing. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/icp (accessed 15 August 2023).
