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Quotation Accuracy of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols on Acupuncture
José M Morán1, María Romero-Moreno1, Azucena Santillán-García2
1Metabolic Bone Diseases Research Group, Nursing Department, Nursing and Occupational Therapy College, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2022
Summary
Systematic review protocols (SR protocols) in acupuncture research often contain quotation errors, with over 30% found to be inaccurate. This highlights a concerning trend of potentially misleading information in scientific literature.
Area of Science:
- Evidence-based medicine
- Scientific publishing
Background:
- Systematic reviews (SRs) are high-level evidence, relying on comprehensive literature searches.
- Quotations within SR protocols are crucial for supporting assertions but can be prone to misquotation.
- The increasing trend of publishing SR protocols, particularly in fields like acupuncture, necessitates scrutiny of their accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of quotations within systematic review protocols (SR protocols) used in acupuncture meta-analyses.
- To identify the prevalence and characteristics of quotation errors in SR protocols.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of the SCOPUS database was conducted up to December 31, 2020.
- Included SR protocols and their citations were analyzed and classified as correct or incorrect.
- Descriptive statistics were used to report quotation errors and protocol characteristics.
Main Results:
- Out of 248 analyzed SR protocols, 124 contained quotations, with 38 (31.4%) found to be erroneous.
- A low rate of prior publication was observed, with only 11 (4.4%) of SRs and SR protocols having been previously published.
- The journal 'Medicine' published the majority of SR protocols (77.8%), and authors from China were the most prolific.
Conclusions:
- The volume of published SR protocols and meta-analyses may outpace the creation of associated SRs, leading to redundant scientific literature.
- A significant proportion of quotation errors in SR protocols can mislead readers and impact the reliability of systematic reviews.
- There is a need to improve the accuracy and quality control of SR protocols to ensure the integrity of evidence-based research.
