[An opinion survey among readers of Revista Médica de Chile].

BACKGROUND A few objective indicators support the relevance of articles published in medical journals, such as the ISI Impact Factor and Citation Indices. However, a feedback from the readers can help to improve a journal. AIM To report the results of an opinion survey addressed to readers of Revista Médica de Chile, in June-August 2007. MATERIAL AND METHODS A survey was devised and distributed electronically or by mail among all subscribers. It requested information about gender, age, site of work, proportion of time dedicated to clinical practice, teaching or research, plus their opinion about the contents and format of the journal, inviting them to propose improvements. RESULTS The survey was distributed to 1274 subscribers (98.7% physicians, most living in Chile) and was responded by 309 (24%). Those who responded were practicing medicine for a mean of 24 +/- 13 (SD) years and did not differ in gender, age or years of medical practice from those that did not respond. Sixty-three percent practiced as internists and dedicated 63 +/- 26 (SD) % of their time to clinical practice, 21 +/- 16% to teaching activities and 16 +/- 17% to research. More than half of respondents qualified the sections of the journal as good or excellent. Fifty-one per cent requested to include more clinical topics updates, 35% more articles on evidence based medicine and 34% more articles focused on continuing medical education. The more frequent free suggestions referred to changes in the format of the journal. CONCLUSIONS Most readers are satisfied with the journal's contents. Suggested changes were referred to review articles and the journal's format.