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Comparing Bibliometric Analysis Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases
Published on: October 24, 2019
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Systematic reviews with published protocols compared to those without: more effort, older search
Katharina Allers1, Falk Hoffmann1, Tim Mathes2
1Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|December 21, 2017
Summary
Published systematic review (SR) protocols increased significantly, leading to more comprehensive reporting but longer review times. Critically discussing protocol publication is suggested for SR quality and transparency.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research Methodology
- Evidence Synthesis
Background:
- Systematic reviews (SRs) are crucial for evidence synthesis.
- The publication of SR protocols is a growing trend.
- Understanding the impact of published protocols on SR quality and timelines is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in published systematic review (SR) protocols.
- To compare SRs with published protocols to those without.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed for SR protocols up to December 31, 2016.
- Identified and matched SRs with and without published protocols from 2012-2013.
- Included 80 SRs with protocols and 80 controls for analysis.
Main Results:
- Published SR protocols increased from 42 (2012) to 404 (2016).
- SRs with protocols showed more comprehensive methods reporting but had longer search-to-submission times (325 vs. 122 days).
- Two-thirds of SRs with protocols were registered in PROSPERO, compared to 10% of controls.
Conclusions:
- SRs with published protocols are better elaborated and reported.
- The longer time from search to submission for SRs with protocols warrants discussion.
- Critical evaluation of current practices for publishing SR protocols is recommended to uphold quality, transparency, and currency.
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