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An evaluation of the quality of statistical design and analysis of published medical research : results from a systematic survey of general orthopaedic journals

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Parsons, Nicholas R., Price, Charlotte L., Hiskens, Richard, Achten, Juul and Costa, Matthew L. (2012) An evaluation of the quality of statistical design and analysis of published medical research : results from a systematic survey of general orthopaedic journals. BMC Medical Research Methodology, Vol.12 (No.1). Article no. 60. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-12-60

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-12-60

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Abstract

Background:
The application of statistics in reported research in trauma and orthopaedic surgery has become ever more important and complex. Despite the extensive use of statistical analysis, it is still a subject which is often not conceptually well understood, resulting in clear methodological flaws and inadequate reporting in many papers.

Methods:
A detailed statistical survey sampled 100 representative orthopaedic papers using a validated questionnaire that assessed the quality of the trial design and statistical analysis methods.

Results:
The survey found evidence of failings in study design, statistical methodology and presentation of the results. Overall, in 17% (95% confidence interval; 10–26%) of the studies investigated the conclusions were not clearly justified by the results, in 39% (30–49%) of studies a different analysis should have been undertaken and in 17% (10–26%) a different analysis could have made a difference to the overall conclusions.

Conclusion:
It is only by an improved dialogue between statistician, clinician, reviewer and journal editor that the failings in design methodology and analysis highlighted by this survey can be addressed.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Clinical Trials Unit
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Systematic reviews (Medical research), Orthopedics -- Periodicals, Experimental design
Journal or Publication Title: BMC Medical Research Methodology
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
ISSN: 1471-2288
Official Date: 2012
Dates:
DateEvent
2012Published
Volume: Vol.12
Number: No.1
Page Range: Article no. 60
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-12-60
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access

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