Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Title	Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Discipline	Clinical epidemiology
Abbreviation	J. Clin. Epidemiol.
Publisher	Elsevier
Country	Netherlands
Frequency	Monthly
History	1988–present
Impact	7.5
Impact-year	2024

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology is a peer-reviewed medical journal focusing on clinical epidemiology, evidence synthesis, and research methodology. Founded in the late 20th century, it publishes original research, systematic reviews, methodological studies, and commentaries that influence practice in hospitals, universities, research institutes, and public health agencies. The journal is published by Elsevier and is read by clinicians, biostatisticians, guideline developers, and policymakers in institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, Oxford University, McGill University, and Karolinska Institutet.

History

The journal was established in 1988 during a period of expansion in clinical research reporting alongside journals like The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, BMJ, JAMA, and Annals of Internal Medicine. Early editors collaborated with researchers from Cochrane Collaboration, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to shape standards for randomized trials, diagnostic studies, and observational research. Milestones include adoption of reporting guidance influenced by CONSORT, PRISMA, and STROBE initiatives and partnerships with organizations such as GRADE Working Group and International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Over time the journal has reflected broader trends visible in publications from Nature Reviews Disease Primers, PLOS Medicine, Science Translational Medicine, and BMJ Open.

Scope and Content

The journal covers methodology, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, diagnostic test evaluation, prognostic research, clinical trials methodology, health services research, and guideline development. Contributions often cite frameworks from GRADE Working Group, analytic techniques used by researchers at Imperial College London, University of Toronto, University of Cambridge, and statistical approaches developed by scholars associated with Cochrane Collaboration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and European Medicines Agency. It publishes work relevant to clinical practice guidelines from bodies such as National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, World Health Organization, and European Society of Cardiology.

Editorial Board and Peer Review

The editorial board has included editors affiliated with McMaster University, Stanford University, Mayo Clinic, Karolinska Institutet, and University College London. Peer review processes follow standards promoted by COPE and editorial practices consistent with International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidance. The board solicits methodological experts, biostatisticians, health economists, and clinical investigators from institutions like Columbia University, Yale University, University of Melbourne, and University of Tokyo to review submissions. The journal has implemented policies on conflicts of interest and data transparency in line with initiatives supported by Wellcome Trust, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and European Research Council.

Abstracting and Indexing

The journal is indexed in major bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL. Its articles are discoverable through platforms associated with CrossRef, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and citation services used by researchers at University of California, Berkeley, Princeton University, ETH Zurich, and National University of Singapore. Abstracting includes coverage by the Institute for Scientific Information and analytics for impact assessment by agencies like Clarivate Analytics.

Impact and Reception

The journal has been influential in shaping methodological standards alongside high-profile outlets such as The Lancet Oncology, Circulation, Gastroenterology, and Diabetes Care. Its impact factor and citation metrics have been monitored by Clarivate Analytics and discussed in analyses from Scimago, Altmetric, and reports by research offices at University of Oxford and Harvard University. Reviews of its role in evidence synthesis have cited collaborations with Cochrane Collaboration, contributions to guideline development at National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and methodological debates featured at conferences like Society for Clinical Trials and Evidence Live.

Notable Articles and Contributions

Notable contributions include methodological papers on randomized trial reporting that influenced CONSORT implementation, systematic review methodologies that informed PRISMA updates, and diagnostic study frameworks referenced by STARD. Influential articles have been cited by guideline panels at World Health Organization and American Heart Association, referenced in methodological textbooks from authors affiliated with Oxford University Press, and incorporated into training programs at Harvard School of Public Health and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The journal has published landmark meta-analyses impacting practice in areas overseen by specialty societies such as American College of Cardiology, American Diabetes Association, and European Respiratory Society.

Category:Medical journals Category:Epidemiology