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Randomised controlled trials in plastic surgery: a systematic review of reporting quality
Riaz Ahmed Agha1, Christian F Camm2, Emre Doganay3
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Bucks UK.
European Journal of Plastic Surgery
|April 8, 2014
Summary
Reporting quality in plastic surgery randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is suboptimal. Key areas like intervention details, randomization, and blinding require significant improvement to enhance research integrity and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery Research
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Clinical Trial Methodology
Background:
- A systematic review assessed the methodological quality of plastic surgery RCTs.
- This study focuses on the reporting quality of the same RCTs.
- Ensuring high reporting standards is crucial for reliable evidence in plastic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in plastic surgery.
- To identify specific areas of poor reporting within these trials.
- To provide recommendations for improving reporting standards in plastic surgery research.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted (Jan 2009-June 2011).
- Eligible RCTs were scored using the 23-item CONSORT Statement checklist.
- Independent secondary scoring and consensus resolution were employed for accuracy.
Main Results:
- Fifty-seven plastic surgery RCTs were analyzed, with a median CONSORT score of 11.5/23.
- Poorest reporting was observed in intervention/comparator details (7%), randomization (11%), and blinding (26%).
- No significant correlation was found between journal impact factor, author number, or country volume and reporting quality.
Conclusions:
- The reporting quality of RCTs in plastic surgery requires substantial improvement.
- Enhanced education, stakeholder awareness, and electronic submission systems are recommended solutions.
- A collaborative effort from the international plastic surgical community is urged to address these reporting deficiencies.