EDITORIAL
Gary Chaimowitz1,2
1 McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, Canada; 2 St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Forensic Psychiatry Program, Hamilton, Canada
Cite: Chaimowitz, G. (2025). The end of an era: Transitioning from a journal to a plain language knowledge-to-practice blog. International Journal of Risk and Recovery, 7(1), 1-2.
https://www.forensicpsychiatryinstitute.com/the-end-of-an-era-transitioning-from-a-journal-to-a-plain-language-knowledge-to-practice-blog/
As we close the final chapter of the International Journal of Risk and Recovery, we reflect on our legacy in forensic psychiatry academic publishing while looking ahead. With both anticipation and a touch of nostalgia, we announce the shift to a new format — weekly knowledge-to-practice papers. The time has come to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of medical information, one that has surpassed the limitations of traditional print and digital journals. We are excited to have recently introduced From Academia to Practice: Why It Matters.
The world is increasing complex, but communication doesn’t need to be. From Academia to Practice bridges the gap between mental health academia and practical, actionable insights. This series will resonate with healthcare professionals across disciplines, those working in probation, parole, legal services, and anyone interested in the intersection of mental health and the law.
These regular news posts will feature succinct, plain language summaries of our International Forensic Psychiatry Lecture Series and other academic work from the team here at the Forensic Psychiatry Institute. To put it simply, plain language is communication that has “wording, structure and design [that] are so clear that intended readers (3.2) can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information” (International Organization for Standardization, 2023).
Changing Environment of Journals
In the past, academic journals served as the gatekeepers of psychiatric knowledge. Researchers, clinicians, and educators eagerly awaited each new issue, hoping to explore the latest research, emerging trends, or groundbreaking theories. Our journal was an essential resource for many, connecting research with practice. But the world has changed.
With the rise of online platforms, the traditional journal model no longer dominates. A simple search can now provide instant answers to questions and a wealth of up-to-date studies. Once confined to quarterly or monthly issues, scientific knowledge is now at our fingertips, available with just a few clicks.
In this age of information saturation, the way we consume knowledge has transformed. Immediate access has become the norm, and the traditional, static format of print and even monthly digital journals can’t keep up with the rapidly evolving field of forensic psychiatry.
The challenge is clear in our 24/7 world. As publishers and curators of forensic psychiatric knowledge, we have always strived to provide the most relevant, evidence-based, and practice-oriented content. But as the pace of information accelerates, the pressure to deliver timely, actionable insights grows. The old publishing model — research, case discussions, systematic reviews, and peer review — no longer meets the needs of modern practitioners.
Clinicians need open and immediate access to the latest findings to inform patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and stay ahead of emerging trends. Researchers and thought leaders need up-to-date information to drive the next wave of inquiry. Unfortunately, traditional print and digital journals have struggled to keep pace with the speed of information.
Plain Language Summaries
Enter plain language summaries. The transition to weekly knowledge-to-practice papers represents more than a change in format — it’s a reimagining of how we share knowledge. These dynamic, plain language papers offer condensed, actionable insights drawn from the latest research, clinical guidelines, and practical applications.
Featuring international experts with diverse forensic psychiatric perspectives, our successful International Forensic Psychiatry Lecture Series will serve as a rich source for these papers, transforming expert opinions into practical takeaways.
Where traditional journals have often leaned heavily on theoretical content, the new From Academia to Practice papers make a clear connection between the research and the practical application with condensed, immediately applicable insights. Each paper supports clinical decision-making, promotes real-time evidence-based practices, and creates a more interactive relationship between academia and practice.
These weekly papers will deliver curated, digestible content that is not only timely but also directly applicable to improving practice. Think of them as a bridge between research and real-world applications — connecting the lab to the clinic.
Unlike traditional journals, which were often read by those with the time and resources to engage deeply with academic content, our shift to weekly papers makes access broader and more integrated into daily practice. Most will take less than three minutes to read. The new format creates opportunities for ongoing learning. By providing content more frequently, we aim to build a community where practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders can more easily keep up with the speed of change in forensic psychiatric care.
Our Transition
The end of our journal in its current form is not a farewell — it’s a transition to a new model that better meets the needs of the modern forensic psychiatric community. This change reflects broader transformations across all fields of medicine. The increasing availability of information, the rise of digital technologies, and the growing demand for immediate healthcare knowledge have rendered the traditional journal format less relevant.
Moving forward with this new approach, we remain committed to our core mission: advancing forensic psychiatric care through the dissemination of knowledge. This new model delivers faster, more efficient insights that align with the pace of modern practice and supports continuous development. We are creating a more agile learning environment.
We are excited to offer a platform for innovation and cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing that will help shape the future of forensic psychiatry.
In closing, we thank the countless contributors, peer reviewers, readers, and supporters who have made our journal a trusted source for forensic psychiatric research and practice. As we look ahead, we are optimistic about the role From Academia to Practice: Why It Matters will play in shaping the next generation of psychiatric care.
The end of this era is not a goodbye — it’s a bold step forward into a future where knowledge is not only accessible but also actionable, not only theoretical but also practical. Here’s to real-time learning and continuous improvement in forensic mental healthcare.
Reference
International Organization for Standardization. (2023). ISO 24495-1:2023(en) Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:24495:-1:ed-1:v1:en