MEDICAL PODCASTS
A systematic and critical review of general medical podcasts
Background
Podcasts are increasingly used to enhance many forms of research communication and education. The aim of this review was to assess the extent of the podcast revolution by identifying and critically describing the content and quality of podcast services provided by leading general medical journals.Findings
Of the top 100 general medical and internal journals as ranked by impact factor only eight offer a regular podcast. The technical quality of most is of an acceptable standard. The mode of delivery and resulting listening experience is variable with those utilizing an interview format more interesting to listen to than those reliant upon a single voice.
General medical podcasts are potentially a valuable resource for providing a digestible overview of the latest research, and for providing an opportunity to dip into areas outside individual core interests. Although they represent a novel use of technology for disseminating knowledge, uptake has been limited and the quality of the listening experience is variable.
Conducted by: Paul Wilson1
, Mark Petticrew2, Alison Booth1
1. Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; 2. Public and Environmental Health Research Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Publications
Wilson PM, Petticrew M, Booth AM. After the gold rush? A systematic and critical review of general medical podcasts. J R Soc Med2009;102(2):69-74Funding
No external funding