Parallel publication of articles and congress presentations for industry-sponsored research: strategies for success

Abstract

Recent increases in the practice of parallel publication, during which a peer-reviewed manuscript is published concurrently with the first dissemination of the same key data at a medical congress as a late-breaking abstract, have highlighted substantial value for this method of publication. Parallel publication can increase access to new clinical information for healthcare providers and patients, as well as promote engagement and reach of the publication and presentation. As the practice becomes more common, there is a need for strategies to address the multiple challenges involved in the development process, such as shortened timelines, journal and congress policies, and stakeholder alignment. We surveyed journals, congresses, and publication professionals on the challenges of parallel publication and recommendations for success. Recommendations from journal editors and congress officials included the importance of adhering to timelines and early communication. Insights from a community of publication professionals showed that timelines and the author review process were among the key challenges of parallel publication development and stressed the importance of clear roles and expectations for authors. To provide real-world insights, we present 3 case studies of successful parallel publication development, highlighting the crucial role of journal selection, planning around data availability, and adapting to unpredictable circumstances. The recommendations described here may provide publication professionals with strategies to successfully plan, execute, and carry out parallel publication.

Keywords:

• Parallel publication
• simultaneous publication
• medical affairs
• publishing
• late-breaking

Transparency

Declaration of funding

Development of the survey and community forum post was sponsored by Pfizer, Inc.; further refinement and execution of the survey as well as development of the ISMPP U presentation was conducted with support from MedThink SciCom.

Declaration of funding/other relationships

KWS is an employee of and receives stock as part of compensation from Pfizer, Inc., Collegeville, PA, USA. MIK is an employee of AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA. CIR and NM are employees of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA. RCS and TP are employees of MedThink SciCom, Cary, NC, USA. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Author contributions

KWS developed the journal and congress survey and community forum post. RCS and TP refined the survey and forum post and executed the surveys. KWS, RCS, and TP analyzed the results of the survey and forum post. KWS, MIK, CIR, NM, and TP developed the ISMPP U presentation and individual case studies. All authors were involved in the drafting and critical review of the manuscript. All authors approved the final draft of the manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Acknowledgements

None.