VetSurgeon.org has launched a new collaborative publishing section of the website (called a wiki) in which any member of the site may publish case studies and reports, abstracts, short communications, research papers and the results of clinical audit for open discussion and review by all.

The state-of-the-art systems in use on VetSurgeon then allow all members to comment on the work submitted. Initially, it's hoped that this will stimulate valuable further debate, discussion and critical review of papers that have already been published elsewhere. However, another benefit of this system is that it enables anyone in the profession to publish their research to the veterinary community immediately,  without being at the mercy of such things as the availability of space in a traditional print journal, so original work is warmly welcomed.

Arlo Guthrie, editor of VetSurgeon said: "Of course I recognise that authors still want the kudos of publication in a traditional peer reviewed journal. However, in addition to offering immediate publication, this system also opens the review process up so that everyone in the profession can participate in a completely open way. If it works, it may even come to be thought of as a more stringent and robust method of review than the traditional method. Or perhaps more likely, peer review could become a two stage process in which work is assessed by a panel of experts and then by the sort of 'open review' offered by VetSurgeon.org."

Doubtless there will be concerns about the validity of information published in this new section of VetSurgeon, primarily because it may NOT have been subject to peer review at the time of publication. Arlo said: "I don't think this is an issue. VetSurgeon members should just have a different starting point. When you read content in, say Vet Record, you can presume it's been scrutinised and read it in that context. On VetSurgeon, you should assume the opposite, and then use the tools offered by the site to judge the value of the work yourself."

Ways of assessing work published on VetSurgeon.org include:

• Where articles are published by the author, a link to their profile will appear in the bottom right margin. Reading their biography may help you judge the likely quality or value of their work. You may also contact them directly through the site, to ask them more.
• Where articles have been published in a traditional journal, the abstract will contain details, and a link at the foot of the article.
• Challenge what you read! All members may comment under each article. Reading points raised by other members, and how the author responds, will again help you assess the value of the article.

In phase one of this project, taking place over the coming few days, all abstracts published in Veterinary Practice magazine are being uploaded to the new wiki.

Click here to visit the new VetSurgeon Wiki

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.