Global collaborative networks on meta-analyses of randomized trials published in high impact factor medical journals: a social network analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Research collaboration contributes to the advancement of knowledge by exploiting the results of scientific efforts more efficiently, but the global patterns of collaboration on meta-analysis are unknown. The purpose of this research was to describe and characterize the global collaborative patterns in meta-analyses of randomized trials published in high impact factor medical journals over the past three decades.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, social network analysis. We searched PubMed for relevant meta-analyses of randomized trials published up to December 2012. We selected meta-analyses (including at least randomized trials as primary evidence source) published in the top seven high impact factor general medical journals (according to Journal Citation Repor

SUBMITTER: Catala-Lopez F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3913337 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature