Scholarly critiquing: A 12 step guide for promoting professional lifelong learning in medical academia

The concept of the journal club is a time-tested collaborative learning activity to keep health professionals abreast of current literature and improve their confidence in reading literature. Being equipped with the skills to critically analyse a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript is equally as important as carrying out research and publishing papers. Most published literature related to the concept of journal club examines only the core critical appraisal skills and leaves behind potential factors which could significantly influence the effective pursuit of a journal club. In this practical advice paper, the author highlights 12 steps for conducting an effective journal club and the practical difficulties associated with each step.