Statistical reviews in journals of the World Association of Medical Editors

  • 0Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland. michal.ordak@wum.edu.pl

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Biomedical journals face challenges with statistical reporting quality. Implementing statistical guidelines is crucial to improve manuscript accuracy and enhance published research quality.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical publishing
  • Scientific communication
  • Statistical methodology

Background

  • A decline in statistical reporting quality in biomedical journals is observed.
  • Effective statistical peer review is essential for maintaining research integrity.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To survey World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) members on their views regarding statistical reviews.
  • To identify challenges and propose recommendations for improving statistical peer review in journals.

Main Methods

  • A 25-question survey was distributed to WAME members and affiliated editorial staff.
  • 141 individuals completed the survey, including editors-in-chief.

Main Results

  • 40% of respondents believe only 31%-50% of accepted manuscripts are statistically correct.
  • Most respondents estimate statistical peer review occurs in only 1%-10% of submissions due to reviewer skill shortages and funding issues.
  • Journals with dedicated statistical editors report higher perceived benefits for manuscript quality (84%) compared to those without (49%).

Conclusions

  • Editorial boards encounter significant obstacles in conducting statistical reviews.
  • Implementing standardized statistical guidelines in biomedical journals is imperative to address these issues.