What is Altmetrics?
Altmetrics, short for "alternative metrics," are non-traditional measurements of scholarly impact. Unlike traditional metrics like citation counts, altmetrics assess the attention and engagement an academic work receives across various platforms, including social media, news outlets, blogs, and policy documents. In the context of
epidemiology, altmetrics can provide a more holistic view of how research influences public health practice, policy, and education.
Why are Altmetrics Important in Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is a field that directly impacts public health, making the dissemination and accessibility of research findings crucial. Traditional metrics often fall short in capturing the immediate and broader societal impact of epidemiological studies. Altmetrics can bridge this gap by offering insights into how research is being discussed in real-time among
policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
How Do Altmetrics Work?
Altmetrics track mentions and shares of academic work across various digital platforms. Tools like
Altmetric.com, Plum Analytics, and ImpactStory collect data from sources such as Twitter, Facebook, news articles, and online reference managers like Mendeley. These tools then aggregate this information into a score or a visual representation, often referred to as an "Altmetric score," indicating the level of attention a research output has garnered.
Real-time Tracking: Altmetrics provide immediate feedback on how research is being received and discussed, allowing researchers to gauge the impact of their work quickly.
Broader Impact: They capture the influence of research beyond academia, including its reach among
health departments, NGOs, and the general public.
Engagement Insights: Altmetrics offer a more nuanced understanding of engagement, highlighting which aspects of a study are resonating with different audiences.
Challenges and Limitations
While altmetrics offer valuable insights, they are not without limitations: Data Quality: The reliability of altmetric data can be inconsistent, as it relies on tracking mentions across various platforms, some of which may not be rigorously moderated.
Contextual Understanding: A high Altmetric score does not necessarily indicate positive engagement; it could also reflect controversy or criticism.
Field Bias: Certain fields may naturally attract more attention on social media and other platforms, potentially skewing the perceived impact of research.
Future Directions
The field of altmetrics is continually evolving, with ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy and reliability of data collection. Future developments may include more sophisticated algorithms for sentiment analysis, better integration with traditional metrics, and enhanced transparency in how scores are calculated. For epidemiologists, staying abreast of these advancements can help in leveraging altmetrics to maximize the impact and reach of their research.Conclusion
Altmetrics offer a valuable complement to traditional metrics in assessing the impact of epidemiological research. By capturing a broader spectrum of engagement and influence, they provide a more comprehensive understanding of how research contributes to public health. However, it is essential to consider the limitations and challenges associated with altmetrics to use them effectively.
