Publish or perish? Evaluation of a writing week

Abstract

Background: To improve research publication output, a general practice department in Australia declared a department wide 'writing week'. Method: Components included: pre-registration, an initial presentation followed by scheduled one-on-one sessions with an external facilitator, a progress 'running sheet', voucher incentives, and a concluding session for shared feedback and 'prize giving'. Results: Ninety percent (18/90) of potential staff participated, from novice to senior. In the subsequent 3 months eight papers were submitted and a further nine were nearing completion. Expressed benefits were having dedicated and structured time, collegial support and an external facilitator. Discussion..