Journal Clubs

ASPEN Makes it Easy

Every issue of ASPEN’s Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN) features an article specifically written for journal clubs. These articles include questions and talking points to spark discussion and provide a foundation for interesting and engaging meetings.

Selecting articles that offer continuing education credits is another great way to incentivize attendance. See articles from the ASPEN Journal CE Program where readers earn CE credits after they pass a knowledge assessment test. It’s also free for members!

Learning Goals

Educational activities directed toward clinical nutrition and metabolism will have goals similar to these: 

• Acquire knowledge in clinical nutrition and metabolism research. 
• Develop critical appraisal skills through discussion of study aims and objectives, methods, statistics, data, and conclusions.
• Update understanding of evidence-based clinical nutrition and metabolism practices. 

Basic Elements for Success

The audience for your journal club will vary depending on your institution and the goals you define, but all clubs benefit from these components: 

Organization: 

• The journal club has a “home” in an organizational department—incorporate it as a mandatory part of an education program, internship, or in the department’s professional activities. 
• Club size affords all members a chance to participate (n=12 or less).
• Participants are shielded from bias if the journal club receives commercial support or sponsorship.
• ASPEN Chapters and Sections may be interested in helping to drive engagement and attract new members. 

Meetings:

• Are scheduled on a regular basis and provide time for advance reading and preparation 
• Can be attended in person, online, or by conference call
• Provide snacks and beverages for participants
• Follow a standard agenda

Participants (club members and guest attendees): 

• Rotate and share responsibility for presenting articles and leading the discussion
• Contribute specialty knowledge and perspective (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, nurses) 
• Support an educational, collegial environment, where senior members mentor junior members and foster an open exchange of ideas 

Tips on Reading Research Papers 

• Create a review form. See sample. 
• Reading a Scientific Article (YouTube video)
• Considerations and Sample Checklist for Critical Evaluation of a Research Paper 

JPEN Journal Club Article Archive