Open Access Has a Dirty Secret, Surgical Editors Say - Scorecard - MDSpire

Open Access Has a Dirty Secret, Surgical Editors Say

Surgery journal editors outline recommendations to address cost disparities affecting LMIC and unfunded researchers

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • April 1, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Open Access Has a Dirty Secret, Surgical Editors Say

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionOpen Access Publishing Challenges
Key MechanismsShift of publication costs from readers to authors through article processing charges (APC).
Target PopulationAuthors, particularly from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and unfunded investigators globally.
Care SettingAcademic and research institutions.

Key Highlights

  • APCs can limit participation in scholarly publishing for researchers in LMIC.
  • Standard APCs vary significantly based on geographic purchasing power.
  • 50% of surgical journals now operate under open or hybrid models.
  • Major medical publishers report revenues exceeding $10 billion.
  • Equitable access to publishing impacts scientific representation and patient care.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Identify barriers to publication for authors in LMIC.

Management

  • Waive APCs for authors from low-income countries and LMICs.
  • Minimize fees for researchers without grant or institutional support.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess the impact of APC waivers on publication rates and diversity.

Risks

  • Potential misuse of authorship to avoid charges.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Authors and researchers in surgical fields.

Transformative agreements may facilitate OA publishing but often have caps on fees.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Implement transparent waiver policies for APCs.
  • Define minimal fees clearly to prevent misuse.

References

Original Source(s)

Open Access Has a Dirty Secret, Surgical Editors Say

  • by Kerri Miller

  • April 1, 2026

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