Evaluation of results of a satisfaction survey of the editorial process, Revista Médica Hondureña, 2016-2020

Abstract

Background: The editorial process involves authors, editors, peer reviewers and readers, who contribute to the quality of biomedical publications. Objective: To evaluate the results of a satisfaction survey aimed at authors and peer reviewers who participated in the editorial process of the Revista Médica Hondureña (RMH), period 2016-2020. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of forms completed online by authors and peer reviewers, invited to participate voluntarily by email during December 2020-July 2021. The survey included 16 questions that recorded characteristics of the editorial process and suggestions for improvement. Satisfaction was classified into 5 categories, from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. The results are presented as frequencies and percentages of the variables studied. Results: We analyzed 53 surveys, completed by 47 (88.7%) authors and 6 (11.3%). The 94.3% (50) described as clear instructions for authors, 77.4% (41) indicated having received a timely response, 71.7% (38) received personalized advice, 90.5% (48) described as very likely/likely their willingness to send articles or collaborate as a peer reviewer; some limitations to participate were lack of time and inexperience. The 69.8% (37) expressed very satisfied/satisfied compared to 17.0% (9) who expressed dissatisfaction with the editorial process. Discussion: In this limited sample of users, more than 2/3 expressed a positive perception and satisfaction with the editorial process. It is necessary to promote the continuous improvement of the RMH and promote the strengthening of the research ecosystem in the medical guild and collaborators in Honduras.