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Empirical research in bioethical journals. A quantitative analysis
P Borry1, P Schotsmans, K Dierickx
1Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law, K U Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/3, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Pascal.Borry@med.kuleuven.be
Journal of Medical Ethics
|April 1, 2006
Summary
Empirical research in medical ethics and bioethics journals significantly increased from 1990 to 2003. This trend, particularly in quantitative studies on life-prolonging treatments, is expected to continue growing.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Bioethics
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Empirical research is crucial for advancing medical ethics and bioethics.
- Understanding the trends in empirical research publication is key to assessing the field's development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolution and nature of published empirical research in leading medical ethics and bioethics journals.
- To identify trends in empirical study designs and topics over a defined period.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective quantitative analysis of articles published between 1990 and 2003.
- Nine peer-reviewed journals in bioethics and medical ethics were systematically reviewed.
- Data on empirical study prevalence, design paradigms, and research topics were extracted.
Main Results:
- A total of 4029 articles were analyzed, with 10.8% (435) employing empirical designs.
- The proportion of empirical research increased from 5.4% in 1990 to 15.4% in 2003.
- Quantitative research dominated (64.6%), with 'prolongation of life and euthanasia' being the most frequent topic.
Conclusions:
- The publication of empirical research in medical ethics and bioethics has shown a significant and steady increase.
- The trend suggests a growing importance and adoption of empirical methodologies within these fields.
- Future research is likely to see a continued rise in empirical studies, reflecting their increasing value.