While specific reasons for this policy adjustment were not elaborated upon, there have been significant transformations in medical publishing and within NEJM’s own publications since the inception of its embargoed access policy many years ago.
The parent company of the journal, NEJM Group, has expanded to encompass multiple journals available for subscription by physicians and clinical professionals. This expansion coincides with an increase in media outlets targeting medical professionals. A significant portion of these media outlets’ content consists of summaries of articles from the family of NEJM journals, often crafted to meet the comprehension needs of clinicians who have direct access to our resources.
NEJM has strategically established a network of journals that republish content from various sources, thereby broadening its reader base. This initiative seems aimed at enhancing revenue generation by directing readers towards its suite of associated publications or requiring upfront payment.
In other words, NEJM perceives any entity authoring content for a clinical audience as competition. Consequently, it appears to be limiting access to its primary publication from those competitors.
More to the point, NEJM appears to be limiting access in an effort to increase their market presence. It seems to be prioritizing market expansion over the transparent and critical flow of clinical information. This tactic seems primarily about preserving a journal’s image and enhancing a publisher’s brand. See maintaining a brand identity, which is an odd approach from a medical journal.
