The impact factor and editorial decisions

Introduction. Although it is questioned, the impact factor continues to be the indicator of quality of medical publications and a hierarchical instrument of information. Development. The authors review the influence of the search for the highest impact factor in editorial decisions for both the journal format and in the procedure of accepting manuscripts. In addition, the role of the denominator modifications and the language of the publication as well as how the acceptance of an article may be influenced not only by the quality parameters but also in the interest of the publication are reviewed. Conclusions. The strategic policy of a journal influences the editorial decisions and the gamble made to achieve a growing impact factor condition these decisions.