Targeted literature searches are a fundamental part of writing clinical manuscripts that will meet the standards of high-quality journals and contribute meaningfully to evidence-based practice. When physicians write clinical manuscripts, utilizing a targeted literature search can identify high-quality, relevant, and current evidence. While a general literature review is useful, a targeted literature search is specific to the clinical question and should be completed through frameworks established, such as PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) and PRISMA [1].
Indexed vs. Non-Indexed Journals: Why It Matters for Your Research
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Indexed vs. Non-Indexed Journals: Why It Matters for Your Research
This article delves into the distinction between indexed and non-indexed journals in academic publishing. Indexed journals are listed in reputable databases, making research more accessible. Non-indexed journals lack this recognition, impacting research impact. It provides guidance on checking journal indexing. [1],[2]
1. What is an Indexed Journal?
Indexation of a journal is considered a reflection of its quality. Indexed journals are of higher scientific quality as compared to non-indexed journals. Indexation of medical journals has become a debatable issue. For a long time, Index Medicus has been the most comprehensive index of medical scientific journal articles. It has been published since 1879. Over the years, many other popular indexation services have developed. [1]
2. Why Indexing Matters?
If you have previously published work in a journal, then you already have a good idea of why indexing is important. But not all people seeking to publish in a journal are academics, and in this article, we walk through the issue, “Why does indexing matter?” Even if you are an academic publisher, you may need a refresher on what a journal index is, why it is important, and how it works. [3]
- Better research visibility: Indexed journals belong to bigger research databases accessible to researchers across the globe. This extends the visibility of your article toward being read, cited, and acknowledged in the academe.
- Academic recognition: Publishing in indexed journals can lend credibility to your work. Academic institutions, funding establishments, and even other researchers look for indexed articles to consider the quality of research involved.
- Impact factor: Generally, indexed journals possess a higher impact factor, which more regularly connotes the citing. The reputation of any academic would have been augmented based on publishing in an esteemed journal.
3. How to Check if a Journal is Indexed?
It is crucial to check whether the journal being considered for publication is indexed. How can you check it? [4]
3.1. Use Journal Indexing Databases
- Scopus: Enter the journal title to check for its index within Scopus.
- Web of Science: Another database to check for the journal index is Web of Science.
- PubMed: PubMed is the database for life sciences and biomedical journals.
3.2. Check the Journal Website
On many journal websites, there is a clear statement explaining whether or not they are indexed by a given database, such as Scopus, Web of Science, or PubMed.
3.3. Google Scholar
Google Scholar indexes almost every journal imaginable. You can put in the journal name and see if it crops up in the results.
3.4. Contact the Publisher
Inquiry to the board of editors of the journal can lead to the discovery of whether the journal is indexed and in what databases.
4. How Pubrica Helps with Indexed Journal Publication
Pubrica helps researchers get published in respected journals by
- Formatting for Success: Making sure your paper follows all the journal’s rules boosts your chance of acceptance.
- Polishing Your Writing: To get published, your paper needs to be clear. Pubrica has editors who can make sure your writing is good enough for top journals.
- Submission Help: From choosing a journal submission steps, Pubrica can guide you all the way.
5. Indexed vs. Non-Indexed Journals
| Feature | Indexed Journals | Non-Indexed Journals |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Highly listed in citation databases | Low, limited to a specific publisher |
| Citations | Highly, articles are more likely to be cited | Fewer researchers may come across it |
| Impact Factor | Higher, more widely recognized | Often absent, no impact factor |
| Recognition | Recognized by academic institutions | Limited recognition |
| Quality of Peer Review | Rigorous and transparent | May vary, not always peer-reviewed |
| International Reach | Global, accessible worldwide | Often region-specific or less accessible |
Connect with us to explore how we can support you in maintaining academic integrity and enhancing the visibility of your research across the world!
Conclusion
For researchers wanting their work noticed, it helps to know about indexed journals. These journals usually mean more readers, add credibility, and might boost citations. If you’re looking to publish in these journals, Pubrica can assist, no matter if it’s picking the right one or the actual submission.
Indexed vs. Non-Indexed Journals: Why It Matters for Your Research? Pubrica offers end-to-end research design, analysis, and reporting support.
References
1. Vasudevan, B., Chatterjee, M., Sharma, V., & Sahdev, R. (2025). Indexing of journals and indices of publications. The Indian Journal of Radiology & Imaging, 35(Suppl 1), S148–S154. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1800878
2. Kieu-Do-Nguyen B, Dang T-K, The Binh N, Pham-Quoc C, Phuc Nghi H, Tran N-T, Inoue K, Pham C-K, Hoang T-T. A High-Performance Non-Indexed Text Search System. Electronics. 2024; 13(11):2125. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13112125
3. Why does indexing matter? (n.d.). Jams.Pub. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://jams.pub/blog/post/why-does-indexing-matter
4. Mondal, S., & Mondal, H. (2020). Check indexing status of a journal. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(6), 3166. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_423_20