In this in-depth interview, NewsMedical delves into the world of Karger Publishers' Fast Facts series. With its 30th anniversary this year, the series has become a cornerstone in medical publishing. Let's explore its origins, evolution, and the impact it has had on healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Unveiling the Success Story of Fast Facts
Origins and Vision
Fast Facts was the brainchild of Sarah Redston, who noticed a gap in the market for "refreshingly readable" material. She established Health Press Ltd in her spare room and began building the series. Each title was designed to quickly bring clinicians up to speed on specific medical conditions. For example, in 1994, the first Fast Facts handbook on prostate cancer was published, and this year, the eleventh edition was released.The initial vision was to provide busy healthcare professionals with concise yet comprehensive information. This included primary care providers, junior hospital doctors, specialist nurses, and trainees. Some titles even gained popularity among medical students and consultants outside their fields.Adapting to Changing Demands
Healthcare professionals are constantly busy, and everyone has different ways of assimilating information. In recent years, Fast Facts has adapted by offering various formats such as interactive eLearning programs, podcasts, videos, and animations. For patients, a series of workbooks and summary information sheets have been developed to facilitate communication between patients and their healthcare teams. These resources have been awarded the PIF tick, highlighting their value.Content Creation Process
When identifying educational gaps, a content outline is developed based on the target audience's needs. 2-3 Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are commissioned to prepare initial drafts, which are then refined by experienced editors. For patient resources, collaboration with patients and advocacy groups ensures accuracy and patient-centeredness. All feedback is carefully considered, but the author team retains final authority.Influence of Technology
Fast Facts has expanded beyond printed books into digital formats accessible online. This has allowed the series to reach a broader global audience, as evidenced by the growing number of translations. Metrics such as downloads and viewer numbers help determine what works and what needs improvement.Balancing Depth and Accessibility
Authors write with junior colleagues in mind to provide the right level of detail. Experienced editors play a crucial role in transforming wordy documents into concise and engaging content. Developmental editing goes beyond copyediting and involves substantial writing and rewriting to ensure the highest quality.New Trends and Challenges
The series is funded by pharmaceutical companies, and careful consideration is given to the needs of all stakeholders. There has been significant growth in rare disease titles, and patients are increasingly involved from the outset. Shared decision-making aids are being developed to enhance communication between patients and healthcare professionals.Milestones and Hopes
The most significant milestone for Fast Facts is its durability. From the first edition 30 years ago, it has grown into a collection of over 130 titles and various patient resources. The hope for the future is to continue producing high-quality healthcare information products that meet the needs of readers.About the Speaker:Sharon started her publishing career in journals and has held various editorial positions. After a break, she joined Health Press in 2004 and is now part of Karger Publishers. When not working, she enjoys gardening and playing tennis.About S. Karger Publishers:Connecting people and science since 1890, Karger provides reliable and tailored information in Health Sciences. With a diverse publishing portfolio and a team of dedicated professionals, Karger excels in medical education and omnichannel HCP engagement.Sponsored Content Policy:News-Medical.net publishes relevant content that adds value to its editorial ethos, educating and informing site visitors in medical research and related fields.
