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Journal instructions to authors submitting veterinary systematic reviews are inconsistent and often inadequate
Erica Tramuta-Drobnis1, L M Rey2, Marnie L Brennan3
1ELTD One Health Consulting LLC, Zionsville, PA.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|February 1, 2025
Summary
Author instructions for veterinary systematic reviews are often unclear, potentially increasing bias and impacting clinical decisions. Clearer guidelines are needed to improve review quality and evidence reporting.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Scientific Publishing
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Systematic reviews are crucial for veterinary medicine.
- Reporting guidelines enhance review quality and reduce bias.
- Clarity in author instructions is essential for adherence to guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clarity and presence of author instructions for veterinary systematic reviews.
- To evaluate journal compliance with reporting guidelines for systematic reviews.
Main Methods:
- A survey of author instructions from the top 10 veterinary systematic review journals.
- Independent review by two investigators using predefined questions.
- Data collection from October 2023 to April 2024.
Main Results:
- Author instructions for veterinary systematic reviews lack consistency.
- Only 4 of 10 journals explicitly required adherence to reporting guidelines.
- Four journals recommended guidelines, while two provided no specific instructions.
Conclusions:
- Journal instructions for veterinary systematic reviews are frequently incomplete or ambiguous.
- Inconsistent guidelines risk increased publishing bias and impact clinical decision-making.
- Enhanced clarity and consistency in author instructions are vital for improving veterinary systematic review quality.
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