Abstract
‘Journey of JIACAM: Vision, Challenges & Opportunities’ is the title of the write-up in the current issue (1) by my erstwhile predecessor Dr Naresh Nebhinani, who has elaborated on the hard work carried out by him and his colleagues in the development and progression of our journal (JIACAM; 2022).
Assuming responsibility as the new Editor from December onward is, in my personal opinion, not going to be an easy task; in fact, it will be a ‘monumental’ one, to say the least! This is because of not only trying to maintain the standards that have already been achieved (1), but to enhance them further!
So, the questions before me are as follows: What is envisaged for the Journal in the time to come? How will the show go on? A slew of changes and proposals are in the pipeline as we speak. Some are in the process of being implemented, while the rest will hopefully see the light of the day over a period of time. Of these, let me mention a few here!
Partnership with SAGE Publications
Probably the most exciting and dynamic news to share is the partnership that has been forged by the Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health with SAGE Publications for the publication of JIACAM. After many months of intense and complex negotiations, involving numerous individuals from both parties, the contract was finally signed off in February 2022. Hence, there will be a website and online submission system (with all its inherent advantages) maintained by SAGE that will ensure the smooth publication of JIACAM for its members. I earnestly request for your honest, prompt, and critical feedback to fine-tune and enhance the functionality of the system.
Theme-Based Issues
It may be said that the ‘Heart and Soul’ of a journal lie with its ‘Readers,’ whereas the Editorial Team, Editorial Board, and Advisory Board are its ‘Wheels!’ Although the Editorial Team, Editorial Board, and Advisory Board undergo an expected (and necessary) revamp with a change of the guard (i.e., the Editor), a special change is being implemented for our readers. Keeping in perspective the scope of JIACAM and its essential readership (i.e., membership of the Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health), we will be looking toward developing theme-based issues on various speciality related areas in child and adolescent psychiatry.
‘Ahead of Print’ Publication
This helps in ensuring wider visibility and chances of more citations and downloads for both author and the Journal alike. This is one area in which the Journal needs to progress, and it is hoped that with the new online platform, we will have this rectified as soon as possible. This will additionally help in the indexing process.
Enhancement and Modification of the Submission, Review and Ethical Process
To achieve the above-mentioned target, a ‘smart,’ ‘transparent,’ and ‘innovative’ review strategy will be integral to the whole process. Understandably, this may appear a bit complex, but a few key ‘nuts’ and ‘bolts’ are enumerated here. There will be strict adherence to the ‘Scope of the Journal,’ that is, covering technical and clinical studies related to health, ethical, and social issues in the field of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, wherein articles with clinical interest and implications will be given preference. Articles that do not adhere to the Scope of the Journal will, in principle, not be considered/deemed appropriate for further processing in the review process, and will be subjected to immediate editorial desk rejection. After this, each new manuscript (MS) will be read by the Editor (or his nominated deputy) and those that are considered clearly uncompetitive or unsuitable to this journal for various reasons will be declined without going for a full review. Thereafter, with input from another member of the editorial team, the MS will undergo a quick review (by this, we hope to reduce the burden on our pool of excellent and dedicated reviewers) to ensure that the MS is adhering to the ‘submission guidelines’ (including ethical aspects). Based on these reviews, a recommendation will be made to the Editor. Following this, the MS will either be ‘rejected’ or enter the ‘full review’ process.
Hence, JIACAM will aim to ensure that there is consistency in the process of review, and strict adherence to the high standards of research and ethical practices in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.
Introduction of New Ideas/Innovations
Just like the child undergoes physical and mental development, JIACAM will be in a constant state of evolution and development; our endeavor being: The journal can become a vibrant source of information and simultaneously stimulate the brain toward thinking proactively on various research/clinical/service delivery aspects of child and adolescent psychiatry. How far this goal will be achieved is a moot point though!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the EC of the IACAMH for entrusting me with this responsibility. I do hope that we—the new Editorial Team (Executive Editor, Associate Editors, Assistant Editors)—will be able to deliver as per the promises so made.
Time Will Tell…! The development has restarted…maybe afresh…! The readership (including the membership) is encouraged to not only submit their manuscripts for potential publication, but also contribute with their ideas for journal development.
I am reminded of the lines from the famous poem by Robert Frost (1923/1969): ‘The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.’