The Science-Meter Indicators (Citation index, Impact factor, Hirsch-index) and the Evaluation of the Scientific Activity in Medicine

Czech version

Authors: J. Sýkorová ¹; M. Turynová ²
Authors‘ workplace: Oddělení vědeckých informací, Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha přednosta prof. MUDr. A. Martan, DrSc. ¹; Lékařské oddělení, AstraZeneca Czech Republic, Praha, ředitel MUDr. A. Kmínek ²
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2007; 72(4): 309-312
Category: Original Article

Overview

Objective:
An overview and characteristics of the main science-meter indicators (citation index, impact factor, Hirsch-index) and its role and importance in the evaluation of the scientific activity in medicine and other scientific disciplines.

Type of study:
A review.

Setting:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1^st Medical Faculty, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital in Prague.

Methods:
An analysis of the publications (including citation databases and information retrieval) related to the impact factor of the selected journals and H-index of the employees of the significant ob/gyn institutions in the Czech Republic.

Conclusions:
Although the science-meter indicators generate only the approximate values, they are the necessary part of the evaluation system of the scientific activity. To be objective in the evaluation in the scientific activity is recommended to combine the science-meter indicators with the other methods, e.g. an individual evaluation of the results by „peer review“ method.

Key words:
science-meter indicators, impact factor, citation index, Hirsch-index, citation databases, evaluation of the scientific activity