Bridging the Gap: Improving Data Sharing Practices in Surgical Research

Data sharing is critical for improving patient outcomes and ensuring research transparency. However, adherence to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines requiring data-sharing statements (DSS) in clinical trials remains inconsistent within surgical research.

A systematic review and cross-sectional analysis of 1094 articles from the top h-5 indexed surgery journals (2020-2023) was conducted. Articles were screened based on predefined criteria. Hierarchical logistic regression identified factors influencing DSS inclusion, and thematic analysis examined DSS content.

Of the 1094 articles, only 141 (12.89%) included DSS, with higher rates in clinical trials (18.05%) compared to cohort studies (5.20%). Studies funded by government or industry and open-access articles (18.95%) were more likely to include DSS. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to comply. Thematic analysis revealed recurring issues of gatekeeping, conditional data access, and privacy concerns. Out of 96 corresponding authors contacted, only 18 shared data.

Data-sharing rates in surgical journals remain low, especially in non-open-access and unfunded studies. Strengthened policies are essential to improve transparency and reproducibility in surgical research.