How to make journal clubs interesting

In a recent survey of all college tutors of psychiatric training rotations in the UK and Ireland (Taylor & Warner, 2000), 97% of respondents stated that their academic programme included a journal club. However, many clubs are characterised by fluctuating levels of apathy and poor attendance. Although poorly functioning clubs run into many different problems, the most successful have certain features in common. Having one person responsible for the club is associated with effectiveness. Longevity and high levels of attendance are associated with the provision of food, mandatory attendance and enthusiastic support from the programme director. Incorporating learning principles such as agreeing goals relevant to participants may enhance learning experiences. There is no single ideal format for a journal club: each needs to respond to the needs of its participants, but innovative formats that have worked elsewhere may spark off ideas for local approaches.