From the choice of where to publish to the assessment of impact, every decision holds weight in medical research publication. And yet, the metrics that have been traditionally used to guide these decisions offer only a partial view. The result: a hit-or-miss situation when it comes to reaching the target audience—healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. Can a data-driven approach that incorporates both traditional and the newer alternative metrics hold the key to improved publication planning, impact and thereby better patient outcomes?