BMJ and Overton launch research impact tool

The BMJ has announced the launch of a new research impact tool, BMJ Impact Analytics, developed in collaboration with start-up Overton. BMJ Impact Analytics is the only impact tool focused on health and social care, says the publisher.

Speaking of the tool the publisher added, BMJ Impact Analytics will help funders, academic institutions, and corporate organisations discover where their research has been cited in clinical guidance and health policies worldwide. It shows direct links to patient outcomes (decision support tools) and provides citations in context.

BMJ Impact Analytics combines Overton's data knowledge with BMJ's health expertise in one tool that covers the breadth of the best available medical sources. According to the BMJ, it contains up to 50% more data on health related outputs than similar products, to help users:

• identify the real-world impact of their medical research
• make funding decisions confidently
• gain insights into how their research has influenced medical practice
• target their research funding to influence health outcomes

Dr Allison Lang, publishing director at BMJ said: "Medical and health research impact is about improving the lives of patients and the public. It matters deeply to funders, institutions and researchers but is time consuming and difficult to track. We can confidently say that we have the right tools to help show the real-world impact of medical and health research."

Euan Adie, founder and director of Overton, added: "BMJ Impact Analytics was developed in partnership with medical departments and funders, combining the data they need with an interface that makes it easy to find and use. We are delighted to be collaborating with BMJ and taking this important next step towards supporting a healthy, responsible impact culture in research."

Funders, institutions and organisations who would like to learn more can contact Michelle Phillips, open research product manager, at mphillips@bmj.com or impactanalytics@bmj.com