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Race and Ethnicity Reporting in Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Upper-Extremity Journals
Stephanie Delma1, Katelyn Langford1, Jessica L Baylor1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|January 19, 2023
Summary
Reporting of race and ethnicity in hand surgery randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is infrequent. When reported, patient demographics in upper-extremity RCTs do not reflect the U.S. population, with Black patients notably underrepresented.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Disparities Research
- Clinical Trial Methodology
Background:
- Hand surgery subspecialty lacks racial and ethnic diversity.
- Minority patients often experience poorer healthcare outcomes.
- Understanding demographic representation in research is crucial for addressing disparities.
Conclusions:
- Race and ethnicity data are infrequently reported in UE RCTs.
- Reported demographics in UE RCTs do not mirror U.S. patient populations.
- Mandating demographic reporting in academic journals could improve data for minority health outcome assessments.
