I am delighted to update you on exciting efforts to transform
AJHP and to outline the roadmap to achieving that transformation that will unfold over the next several months. As we build on the extraordinary legacy of exceptional efforts of
AJHP’s past editors in chief C. Richard Talley, William A. Zellmer, George P. Provost, and Donald E. Francke, we are moving quickly to ramp up delivery of new cutting-edge content, expand reader engagement and introduce innovations to enhance the print and digital experience.
In January 2015, Dr. Daniel Cobaugh became the fifth editor-in-chief of
AJHP in its 72-year history. He brings his experiences as a researcher, author, and pharmacy leader to the editor role. In the March 15, 2015 issue of the Journal, Dan described his vision for ensuring that
AJHP is recognized for its relevance and impact in the complex 21st century healthcare system.
I hope you’ve noticed the enhancements to the
AJHP editorial page that reflect Dan’s vision; they are really extraordinary! When the next table of contents arrives in your email box or the print version of the Journal arrives at home, turn to the editorial page to read thoughtful scientific, clinical, patient care-oriented, and public health discussions on some of the most complex topics that confront us as we work to provide the best care for our patients.
You will also see a new approach to cutting-edge clinical content as well as practice advancement topics. Watch for rapidly-developed, high-impact coverage in areas like ambulatory care, precision medicine, specialty pharmacy, pharmacists’ prescribing activities, and leadership innovations.
I am especially excited about the new
AJHP Residents Edition that will publish its first issue on June 1, 2015. This quarterly web-based supplement to
AJHP will provide a unique forum for pharmacy residents and recent residency graduates to showcase projects carried out during their residency training.
AJHP Residents Edition was established following ASHP’s acquisition of
JHPR® (Journal of Health-System Pharmacy Residents®), a well-known and respected digital journal for pharmacy residents. The first issue will include five original articles as well as seven reprints of
JHPR articles. You will also notice some additional changes with
AJHP Residents Edition including author photos, profiles, and video interviews. To hear more about
AJHP Residents Edition, be sure to listen to the
AJHP Voices podcast interview with the founding
JHPR editors, Drs. Bryan McCarthy and David Reardon. Also read Drs. McCarthy and Reardon’s accompanying June 1
AJHP editorial where they describe how a passion for pharmacy residency training drove their desire to establish
JHPR and their vision for
AJHP Residents Edition.
Our inclusion of photos, videos and author profiles in
AJHP Residents Edition is the first of many steps in our work to increase engagement of readers and authors with
AJHP content. You should already be seeing increased social media activity as readers, authors, and ASHP staff share
AJHP information and engage in conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and ASHP Connect. Please be a part of the dialog through social media as engagement with
AJHP continues to increase.
When you read the July 1st issue of
AJHP, pay special attention to the results of the ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice. You’ll see the article is accompanied by an enhanced data supplement that reveals trends in safety-related technology use by hospital size over the last six years. This is a precursor to the Journal’s future data visualization efforts. You can access these data visuals using the Augmented Reality app with the print issue or by clicking on the data supplement link in the electronic version.
Watch for a contemporary cover-to-cover redesign of
AJHP in early 2016. The new design will reflect
AJHP’s core values while signaling the Journal’s accelerated evolution as a high impact, customer-friendly 21st century biomedical publication. Perspectives from an array of ASHP members and other stakeholders will be included during the redesign process to ensure an
AJHP experience that engages and meets the needs of the broad array of pharmacist patient care providers that comprise ASHP’s membership.
As Dan said in his March 15th editorial, “The integration of technology must carry on such that the
Journal’s content continues to be offered on platforms that meet readers’ evolving preferences.” We want you, with a single click, to have access to the
AJHP content that is critical to providing the best care for your patients and advancing your practice.
Recently, over 1,500 ASHP members participated in a satisfaction survey of
AJHP readers and authors. The survey results will be used by members, the
AJHP editors and other ASHP staff as we undertake a strategic planning process to chart the Journal’s course over the next three to five years. I cannot overstate how important this member feedback will be in ensuring that
AJHP is recognized for its relevance and impact in the complex 21st century healthcare system.
I hope you are as excited as I am about all of the incredible changes that are occurring with
AJHP. If you have any suggestions as we move forward, feel free to contact the
AJHP editors at ajhp@ashp.org.