In response to the increase in press and US government activity regarding the integrity of medical writing, the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) Board of Trustees and Issues and Actions Working Group recently began developing a structured advocacy plan for the 2009-2010 year.
ISMPP is looking to create a more formal response, and turn from a reactive to a proactive role in improving understanding of the value of medical publications and the role of the medical publication professional. One reason for taking such a role is the number of media publications on the Internet that seem to call into question the trust of medical publications. The plan, which is titled the Good Publication Practice 2 (GPP2), will be structured as an organized multi-channel approach to communicating, both within and outside the profession, on issues or topics that are frequently misrepresented, particularly in the press.
ISMPP recognizes the need for a strong voice representing the rational basis for the involvement of medical publication professionals in the scientific endeavor of publishing, with a commitment to creating and upholding best practices. As a result, the organization has already published press releases, position statements, and white papers on their website.
In announcing its plan, ISMPP acknowledged that over the past 4.5 years since it was founded, their growing membership and demonstrated commitment to high-quality educational programs have continued helping patients and educating providers. Part of this commitment includes the ISMPP U, the annual meeting, and more recently, a certification program, which is a timely and significant credentialing initiative designed to assist in establishing standards for the profession that we all represent.
ISMPP is asking members of the medical education and publishing profession to participate, for example, by ensuring correct use of terminology, or educating on or referring to best practices in your own professional setting. They are also open for volunteers on the working group to help implement their advocacy plans.
If you are interested in participating in the new plan, you can contact the ISMPP office.