The Role of Journals in Evidence-based Best Practice

Issue addressed: Journals play an important role in facilitating the dissemination of information. They provide a venue for the obtainment of information, thus making that information widely available to read. Quality control of this information occurs through a six-step process. The six processes which encourage best practice in health promotion are: 1. authors’ critical review of their work; 2. critical review by peers; 3. readership feedback; 4. document production; 5. creation of debate; and 6. setting standards for others’ work. Discussion: This paper does not propose that the processes outlined are flawless. The system of peer review is an international system for the entry of information into any discipline. Overall the process of peer review is credible and forms a solid foundation for the dissemination of evidence-based best practice. So what? Undertaking the process of dissemination through journals is recommended because it contributes to evidence-based best practice