During the past years, I have observed several improvements in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, namely, an increase in the quality of research, an increased impact factor, more interdisciplinary research, and the use of a digital format for authors. But the complex challenges for cancer patients and their families in the midst of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape call for a renewed focus on evidence-based practice and practice-informed research. We must take into account the rising costs of treatment; treating a cancer patient as a whole person; patient-centered, culturally competent, and family-focused care; and the new roles for social workers and other psychosocial providers in Accountable Care Organizations and Patient-centered Medical Homes in meeting the demands of practice.
As the new Editor-in-Chief, I want to continue the effort to build and disseminate knowledge that informs the highest quality psychosocial care to cancer patients and their families and promote access to care for disadvantaged and underserved populations. Toward this end, I will be working with the publisher, associate editors, and editorial board to develop new ideas for the journal—special issues, special themes and practice-focused features. We will be surveying the readership so that we can respond to the challenges of a changing healthcare system and ensure that our journal is relevant to practice. In upcoming issues, I will outline new directions that the journal will take.
Toward these ends, I am seeking manuscript reviewers and individuals to serve on our editorial board. Being a reviewer is an important opportunity for people to contribute to the direction of psychosocial oncology and assure that the Journal publishes the most relevant and timely work. The multi-disciplinary board will consist of those who are committed to reviewing manuscripts several times a year during a three-year term of service. Please send me an email and your CV if you are interested in either serving on the board of the Journal or being one of our reviewers. Both of these jobs are crucial to the success of our journal and I encourage your participation.