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What do letters to the editor publish about randomized controlled trials? A cross-sectional study
Monika Kastner1, Anita Menon, Sharon E Straus
1Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI) of St, Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. monika.kastner@utoronto.ca.
BMC Research Notes
|October 16, 2013
Summary
Most published letters to the editor (LTE) focus on methodological issues in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, study findings indicate these topics are not significantly influenced by the RCTs' characteristics or results.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Scientific Publishing
Background:
- Letters to the editor (LTE) provide commentary on published research.
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a cornerstone of medical evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify LTE responding to RCTs.
- To determine topics within LTE.
- To examine if RCT characteristics influence LTE topics.
Main Methods:
- Comparative cross-sectional study of RCTs and LTE from high-impact journals in 2007.
- Data collected on RCT characteristics (funding, intervention, outcomes) and LTE topics.
- Statistical analysis included chi-square and regression; LTE topics underwent thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- 175 of 334 RCTs had published LTE (381 total).
- 90% of LTE topics concerned methodological issues (analysis, intervention, population).
- Funding source associated with intervention type and outcome impact; clinical LTE more likely for government-funded RCTs.
Conclusions:
- Most LTE address methodological aspects of RCTs.
- Little evidence suggests RCT characteristics influence LTE topics.
- Low publication rates of submitted LTE may indicate editorial censorship.
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