Interventions to promote medical research integrity: a scoping review

This study reviewed the current status of interventions for medical research integrity. The forms and methods of interventions, the timing and duration of interventions, outcome indicators, and evaluation methods and time were systematically reviewed. It provided a reference for the development of intervention programs for medical research integrity. So as to improve the integrity awareness and behavior norms of researchers.

Studies related to medical research integrity and intervention measures were retrieved from databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang Data, VIP Database). The time limit for retrieval extends from the establishment of the database to June 15,2024. Two researchers independently screened and analyzed the retrieved literature, and the third researcher was asked to decide if there was any doubt.

The study included 17 references from 10 countries. A systematic review of the literature found that the intervention of medical research integrity runs through all stages of school and work. There were various forms of intervention measures, including policy intervention, environmental intervention, educational intervention and software intervention. Educational intervention was the most commonly used intervention for medical research integrity. Most interventions were short-lived and lack long-term follow-up and standardized assessments.

Different interventions have different characteristics and advantages in promoting the integrity of medical research. At present, there is still a lack of uniform standards and long-term evaluation mechanisms for medical research integrity. In the future, various levels and forms of intervention measures should be formulated to improve the integrity of medical research.