Systematic review of the empirical evidence of study publication bias and outcome reporting bias - an updated review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The increased use of meta-analysis in systematic reviews of healthcare interventions has highlighted several types of bias that can arise during the completion of a randomised controlled trial. Study publication bias and outcome reporting bias have been recognised as a potential threat to the validity of meta-analysis and can make the readily available evidence unreliable for decision making.

Methodology/principal findings

In this update, we review and summarise the evidence from cohort studies that have assessed study publication bias or outcome reporting bias in randomised controlled trials. Twenty studies were eligible of which four were newly identified in this update. Only two followed the cohort all the way through from protocol approval to information regar

SUBMITTER: Dwan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3702538 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature