Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Citation frequencies of medical journals are measured by the Journal Impact Factors (IF) published annually in the Journal Citation Report (JCR). Conclusions drawn from IF concerning the distribution of single journal articles are used worldwide for academic evaluation purposes. Because of this importance, IF are widely and controversially discussed, also regarding their derivation from a limited pool of databases (Science Citation Index, SCI). ⋯ (i) The citation analyses presented in JCRs appear limited especially regarding German-language biomedical journals. Evaluation of publications based on IF therefore should be complemented by corrective measures. (ii) Single-database searches, including SCI, at best render orientating results; database combinations are recommended when higher completeness is required.