Taylor & Francis has published the first Plain Language Summary of Publication (PLSP) in veterinary science, marking a step toward making animal health research more accessible to professionals and non-specialists.
PLSPs are open access, peer-reviewed summaries of research articles, authored by at least one contributor from the original study. Written in clear, jargon-free language and supported by graphics, they aim to simplify complex findings. Taylor & Francis introduced PLSPs to its medical journals in 2023, and this marks their expansion into veterinary publishing.
The first veterinary PLSP, published in Veterinary Quarterly, is titled "Discovery of a SLAMF1 gene change that increases dogs’ risk of developing canine atopic dermatitis: a plain language summary." It outlines research into a chronic skin condition affecting up to 30% of dogs in certain populations. The findings have implications for diagnostics, breeding strategies, and therapeutic development. The summary is designed to make the research easier to understand for veterinary professionals while also reaching breeders, pet owners, and other non-specialist audiences.
Plain language summaries have become standard practice in human medicine, reshaping how research is communicated. Their introduction into veterinary publishing involved collaboration among stakeholders from human and veterinary medicine (Mars Petcare), medical communication agencies (Amica Scientific), and publishing (Taylor & Francis).
The broad scope of veterinary research, which covers animal welfare, disease, nutrition, and public health, underscores the importance of accessibility. Clinicians, technicians, nurses, allied professionals, and pet owners rely on evidence-based information to guide decisions.
Katherine Bowen, Publications Lead at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare, noted that the publication of the first veterinary PLSP represents a cultural shift toward inclusivity and improved communication of science. She emphasized that PLSPs could support informed decision-making across the veterinary care pathway and ultimately benefit animals.
Rachel Jenkins, Head of Plain Language Summaries at Taylor & Francis, explained that expanding PLSPs into veterinary science reflects a commitment to accessibility across health and science. She stated that PLSPs in veterinary medicine are expected to be as useful as they have been in human medicine, helping professionals and pet owners engage with and apply new research.
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