Receiving an official Journal Impact Factor (JIF) marks a noteworthy occasion for the Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy (CJRT). Behind the scenes, we have worked diligently to ensure that the articles we publish are both timely and relevant to the field of respiratory care. Additionally, we have built ethical and academic best practices into our editorial processes. Our efforts have now been formally recognized with the assignment of a JIF, a significant milestone that signals the growing influence of our journal.
To be included in this index, Clarivate, the leader in bibliometrics, examines a set of 28 criteria to determine if a journal will be accepted, making this achievement even more meaningful. As per the Clarivate selection process, these are divided into 24 quality criteria designed to select for editorial rigor and best practice at the journal level, and four impact criteria designed to select the most impactful journals in their respective fields using citation activity as the primary indicator of impact.1 This recognition highlights our progress and prompts us, as editors, to reflect on the significance of an impact factor, why we pursued it, and the importance of celebrating this achievement as a milestone toward future growth.
A JIF is a bibliometric indicator commonly used to evaluate a journal’s influence and importance within its field. It reflects how often, on average, articles published in the journal are cited over a specific period, providing insight into the journal’s impact on academic discourse. The concept of the impact factor was first introduced by Eugene Garfield,2 the founder of the Institute for Scientific Information. It is calculated by averaging the number of citations received by articles published in the journal during the previous two years.
A journal’s impact factor reflects the visibility and influence of the research published within it. A higher impact factor indicates that the journal’s articles are more widely recognized and cited by the academic community, demonstrating the journal’s contribution to its field. For instance, widely cited papers, such as Braun’s Race, ethnicity and lung function: A brief history3 have boosted our journal’s visibility and recognition within respiratory care. Journals with impact factors are often considered more prestigious because of their selective acceptance processes, which ensure that only higher-quality research is published. Publishing in these journals not only enhances the reputation of authors and increases the visibility of their work but also plays a critical role in career advancement. For many academics and professionals, publishing in high-impact journals is essential for tenure decisions, grant applications, and professional evaluations.4
As a respiratory therapist, you can take pride in the CJRT as a reflection of your profession. The journal embodies our community’s collective progress, dedication, and commitment to advancing the field and supporting its continued growth. You can also trust that the research published here is reliable and relevant, ensuring that the knowledge you apply in practice or education is grounded in robust evidence. Additionally, CJRT provides a trusted platform to share your research, should you choose to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in respiratory care.
While impact factors are not without limitations and criticisms,5 receiving one marks a significant milestone for our journal and the respiratory therapy profession in Canada. This achievement highlights the efforts of everyone who has contributed—whether by publishing, peer-reviewing, or simply reading an article (now digitally) from our journal. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have played a role in our growth and success.