Southern African Journal of Critical Care

Scope & Guideline

Bridging gaps in critical care with accessible, impactful research.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Southern African Journal of Critical Care with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1562-8264
PublisherHEALTH & MEDICAL PUBLISHING GROUP
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2001 to 2023
AbbreviationSOUTH AFR J CRIT CAR / South. Afr. J. Crit. Care
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPRIVATE BAG X1, PINELANDS, CAPE TOWN 7430, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The Southern African Journal of Critical Care focuses on advancing knowledge and practice in the field of critical care medicine, addressing both clinical and educational aspects. Its aims include improving patient outcomes through research, fostering evidence-based practices, and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in critical care settings.
  1. Clinical Research in Critical Care:
    The journal publishes studies that investigate clinical practices, treatment outcomes, and care protocols in intensive care units (ICUs), providing valuable insights into how to improve patient management.
  2. Nursing and Interprofessional Education:
    A significant focus is placed on the roles of nursing and interprofessional collaboration in critical care, emphasizing the importance of education, training, and communication among healthcare teams.
  3. Public Health and Policy Implications:
    The journal also explores the broader implications of critical care practices on public health, including the impact of healthcare policies, resource allocation, and educational programs in resource-limited settings.
  4. Innovative Technologies and Methodologies:
    Research on the application of new technologies and methodologies in critical care, such as telemedicine, advanced monitoring systems, and the use of artificial intelligence, is highlighted to promote innovation in patient care.
  5. Patient and Family-Centered Care:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of involving patients and their families in care decisions, aiming to enhance the overall experience and outcomes for critically ill patients.
The Southern African Journal of Critical Care has witnessed the emergence of several key themes reflecting current trends and areas of growing interest in the field. These themes indicate a response to evolving challenges and advancements in critical care medicine.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Critical Care:
    Research addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on ICU practices and patient outcomes has surged, highlighting the need for adaptations in care protocols and resource management in response to global health crises.
  2. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Professionals:
    There is an increasing focus on the mental health and wellbeing of critical care staff, driven by recognition of the stresses associated with working in high-pressure environments, particularly in the context of the pandemic.
  3. Patient-Centered Outcomes and Experiences:
    Emerging studies emphasize the importance of patient-centered care, exploring patients' perceptions of ICU experiences and the role of families in care decisions, thereby aligning practices with contemporary healthcare values.
  4. Nutritional Support in Critical Care:
    The relevance of nutrition support practices in the ICU setting is gaining attention, reflecting a growing understanding of the critical role nutrition plays in patient recovery and outcomes.
  5. Use of Advanced Monitoring Technologies:
    Research into the application of advanced monitoring technologies and their impact on patient management and outcomes is on the rise, indicating a trend towards more sophisticated and data-driven approaches in critical care.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to evolve, certain themes appear to be declining in frequency or emphasis in recent publications. These waning scopes suggest a shift in focus towards more pressing contemporary issues in critical care.
  1. Traditional Diagnostic Techniques:
    There seems to be a decrease in research centered around traditional diagnostic methods as newer technologies and approaches gain prominence, reflecting a shift towards innovation and efficiency in critical care diagnostics.
  2. Basic Clinical Skills Training:
    Papers focused solely on basic clinical skills training for healthcare professionals are less frequent, indicating a possible shift towards more advanced training and educational interventions that prioritize critical thinking and evidence-based practices.
  3. Generalized Critical Care Protocols:
    Research on generalized protocols for critical care management appears to be declining, with an increasing focus on tailored, individualized approaches that consider patient-specific factors and local contexts.

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