scholarly journals Completeness of reporting of quality improvement studies in neonatology is inadequate: a systematic literature survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e001273
Author(s):  
Zheng Jing Hu ◽  
Gerhard Fusch ◽  
Catherine Hu ◽  
Jie Yi Wang ◽  
Zoe el Helou ◽  
...  

IntroductionQuality improvement (QI) is a growing field of inquiry in healthcare, but the reporting quality of QI studies in neonatology remains unclear. We conducted a systematic survey of the literature to assess the reporting quality of QI studies and factors associated with reporting quality.MethodsWe searched Medline for publications of QI studies from 2016 to 16 April 2020. Pairs of reviewers independently screened citations and assessed reporting quality using a 31-item modified Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence, 2nd edition (SQUIRE 2.0) checklist. We reported the number (percentage) of studies that reported each item and their corresponding 95% CIs. We used Poisson regression to explore factors associated with reporting quality, namely, journal endorsement of SQUIRE 2.0, declaration of funding sources, year of publication and number of authors. The results were reported as incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% CI.ResultsOf 1921 citations, 336 were eligible; among them, we randomly selected 100 articles to assess reporting quality. The mean (standard deviation) number of SQUIRE 2.0 items adhered to was 22.0 (4.5). Percentage of articles reporting each item varied from 26% to 100%. Journal endorsement of SQUIRE 2.0 (IRR=1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.21, p=0.015), declaration of funding sources and increasing number of authors were significantly associated with better reporting.ConclusionsReporting quality of QI studies in neonatology is inadequate. Endorsing the SQUIRE 2.0 guideline is a step that journals can implement to enhance the completeness of reporting.

2012 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Padhraig S. Fleming ◽  
Jadbinder Seehra ◽  
Argy Polychronopoulou ◽  
Zbys Fedorowicz ◽  
Nikolaos Pandis

AbstractObjectives:To assess the reporting quality of Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews (SR) in orthodontics and to compare the reporting quality (PRISMA score) with methodological quality (AMSTAR criteria).Materials and Methods:Systematic reviews (n  =  109) published between January 2000 and July 2011 in five leading orthodontic journals were identified and included. The quality of reporting of the included reviews was assessed by two authors in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Each article was assigned a cumulative grade based on fulfillment of the applicable criteria, and an overall percentage score was assigned. Descriptive statistics and simple and multiple linear regression analyses were undertaken.Results:The mean overall PRISMA score was 64.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62%–65%). The quality of reporting was considerably better in reviews published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (P < .001) than in non-Cochrane reviews. Both multivariable and univariable analysis indicated that journal of publication and number of authors was significantly associated with the PRISMA score. The association between AMSTAR score and modified PRISMA score was also found to be highly statistically significant.Conclusion:Compliance of orthodontic SRs published in orthodontic journals with PRISMA guidelines was deficient in several areas. The quality of reporting assessed using PRISMA guidelines was significantly better in orthodontic SRs published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
ShuangYang Dai ◽  
Xiaobin Zhou ◽  
Hong Xu ◽  
Beibei Li ◽  
JinGao Zhang

Abstract Backgrounds Master of public health (MPH) plays an important role in Chinese medical education, and the dissertations is an important part of MPH education. In MPH dissertations, most are observational studies. Compared with randomized controlled trial (RCT), observational studies are more prone to information bias. So, the reporting of the observational studies should be transparent and standard. But, no research on evaluating the reporting quality of the MPH dissertation has been found. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in the Wanfang database from January 1, 2014 to May 31, 2019. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observation Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was adopted to evaluate the reporting quality of the selected studies. Results The median of compliance with STROBE statement of 165 articles was 67.82%. The mean (standard deviation) of STROBE score was 14.3 (1.91). Five items/sub-items were 100% reported: background, objectives, study design, report numbers of individuals at each stage, and key result. Fifteen items/sub-items were reported by 75% or more. Reporting of methods and results was often omitted: missing data (12.73%), sensitivity analyses (3.03%), flow diagram (15.15%), and absolute risk (0%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that funding support (OR=13.98, 95% CI=4.37-44.70) and more published papers during postgraduate period (OR=2.77, 95% CI=1.02-7.54) were related to high reporting quality. Conclusion In short, the reporting quality of observational studies in MPH’s dissertations in China is suboptimal. However, it’s necessary to improve the reporting of method and results sections. We recommend that authors should be stricter to adhere STROBE statement when conducting observational studies.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e020580
Author(s):  
Luiz Felicio Cadete Scola ◽  
Anne M Moseley ◽  
Lehana Thabane ◽  
Matheus Almeida ◽  
Lucíola da Cunha Menezes Costa

IntroductionPilot and feasibility trials aim to test whether a full trial can be conducted or if any procedures must be changed for the full trial. Pilot trials must be reported in a transparent, accurate and complete way. In this report, we present a protocol for a methodological survey with the following aims: (1) to determine the percentage of physiotherapy trial reports which claim to be pilot or feasibility trials that evaluate feasibility, (2) to determine the aspect of feasibility evaluated in the primary objectives of the pilot or feasibility trials, (3) to describe the completeness of reporting of abstracts and full articles of pilot or feasibility trials using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials and (4) to investigate factors associated with completeness of reporting of pilot or feasibility trials.Methods and analysisReports of randomised controlled trials indexed in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) that claim to be pilot or feasibility trials and published in 2011–2017 will be included. Two independent reviewers will confirm eligibility and classify the aspect of feasibility being evaluated in the objectives of the included pilot or feasibility trials. Completeness of reporting of both the abstract and the full article will be evaluated using the CONSORT extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials. The primary analysis will be a descriptive analysis about the reporting quality of abstracts and full texts of pilot and feasibility trials. We will use generalised estimating equation analysis to explore factors associated with completeness of reporting.Ethics and disseminationThe results of this study will be disseminated by presentation at conferences and will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Ethical approval is not necessary for this study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (13) ◽  
pp. 1453-1460
Author(s):  
D. Qin ◽  
F. Hua ◽  
H. He ◽  
S. Liang ◽  
H. Worthington ◽  
...  

The objectives of this study were to assess the reporting quality and methodological quality of split-mouth trials (SMTs) published during the past 2 decades and to determine whether there has been an improvement in their quality over time. We searched the MEDLINE database via PubMed to identify SMTs published in 1998, 2008, and 2018. For each included SMT, we used the CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 guideline, CONSORT for within-person trial (WPT) extension, and a new 3-item checklist to assess its trial reporting quality (TRQ), WPT-specific reporting quality (WRQ), and SMT-specific methodological quality (SMQ), respectively. Multivariable generalized linear models were performed to analyze the quality of SMTs over time, adjusting for potential confounding factors. A total of 119 SMTs were included. The mean overall score for the TRQ (score range, 0 to 32), WRQ (0 to 15), and SMQ (0 to 3) was 15.77 (SD 4.51), 6.06 (2.06), and 1.12 (0.70), respectively. The primary outcome was clearly defined in only 28 SMTs (23.5%), and only 27 (22.7%) presented a replicable sample size calculation. Only 45 SMTs (37.8%) provided the rationale for using a split-mouth design. The correlation between body sites was reported in only 5 studies (4.2%) for sample size calculation and 4 studies (3.4%) for statistical results. Only 2 studies (1.7%) performed an appropriate sample size calculation, and 46 (38.7%) chose appropriate statistical methods, both accounting for the correlation among treatment groups and the clustering/multiplicity of measurements within an individual. Results of regression analyses suggested that the TRQ of SMTs improved significantly with time ( P < 0.001), while there was no evidence of improvement in WRQ or SMQ. Both the reporting quality and methodological quality of SMTs still have much room for improvement. Concerted efforts are needed to improve the execution and reporting of SMTs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunji Kwon ◽  
Jeongok Park ◽  
Sue Kim ◽  
Kyung Hee Lee

Abstract Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important concept to consider both individuals' ability to manage their daily lives and health status across the lifespan. Despite this variable's importance, there is a lack of clarification on the factors associated with HRQOL, especially for military women. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with HRQOL of military women in the Korea Army.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 196 participants who were currently within their 5-year service period. Differences in HRQOL according to general and occupational factors were analyzed using the independent t-test and analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the HRQOL of women serving as military junior officers.Results: The mean score for the physical component summary (PCS) of HRQOL was 56.0±5.8, and that for the mental component summary (MCS) of HRQOL was 47.2±10.0. For depression, the mean score was 5.4±5.2, whereas 19.4% of the participants scored more than 10 out of 27 points, which means moderate to severe. No variables showed statistically significant relationships with the PCS. However, significant relationships with the MCS were found for rank (β = -3.63, p <. 001), duty time (β = -4.93, p = .029), perceived stress (β = -0.61, p <. 001), and depression (β = -0.90, p <. 001).Conclusions: Although depression levels were not severe, it was a significant factor of HRQOL and thus the need for depression screening and regular depression management in women serving in the ROK Army to improve their HRQOL. Considering these results, nursing officers should conduct frequent testing related to mental health and take steps to manage high-risk groups. This study also contributes to the literature by providing basic data for the establishment of an appropriate health service environment and systematic health management policies.


2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107038
Author(s):  
Christina Tikka ◽  
Jos Verbeek ◽  
Sharea Ijaz ◽  
Jan L Hoving ◽  
Julitta Boschman ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo assess the reporting quality of randomisation and allocation methods in occupational health and safety (OHS) trials in relation to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) requirements of journals, risk of bias (RoB) and publication year.MethodsWe systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed between 2010 and May 2019 in 18 OHS journals. We measured reporting quality as percentage compliance with the CONSORT 2010 checklist (items 8–10) and RoB with the ROB V.2.0 tool (first domain). We tested the mean difference (MD) in % in reporting quality between CONSORT-requiring and non-requiring journals, trials with low, some concern and high RoB and publications before and after 2015.ResultsIn 135 articles reporting on 129 RCTs, average reporting quality was at 37.4% compliance (95% CI 31.9% to 43.0%), with 10% of articles reaching 100% compliance. Reporting quality was significantly better in CONSORT-requiring journals than non-requiring journals (MD 31.0% (95% CI 21.4% to 40.7%)), for studies at low RoB than high RoB (MD 33.1% (95% CI 16.1% to 50.2%)) and with RoB of some concern (MD 39.8% (95% CI 30.0% to 49.7%)). Reporting quality did not improve over time (MD −5.7% (95% CI −16.8% to 5.4%).ConclusionsArticles in CONSORT-requiring journals and of low RoB studies show better reporting quality. Low reporting quality is linked to unclear RoB judgements (some concern). Reporting quality did not improve over the last 10 years and CONSORT is insufficiently implemented. Concerted efforts by editors and authors are needed to improve CONSORT implementation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Schalock ◽  
A. Baker ◽  
C. Claes ◽  
J. Gonzalez ◽  
R. Malatest ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Thais Regina de Mattos Lourenço ◽  
◽  
Vasilis Pergialiotis ◽  
Constantin M. Durnea ◽  
Abdullatif Elfituri ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Variations in outcome measures and reporting of outcomes in trials on surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using synthetic mesh have been evaluated and reported. However, the quality of outcome reporting, methodology of trials and their publication parameters are important considerations in the process of development of Core Outcome Sets. We aimed to evaluate these characteristics in randomized controlled trials on surgery for POP using mesh. Methods Secondary analysis of randomized controlled trials on surgical treatments using synthetic mesh for POP previously included in a systematic review developing an inventory of reported outcomes and outcome measures. The methodological quality was investigated with the modified Jadad criteria. Outcome reporting quality was evaluated with the MOMENT criteria. Publication parameters included publishing journal, impact factor and year of publication. Results Of the 71 previously reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2017, the mean JADAD score was 3.59 and the mean MOMENT score was 4.63. Quality of outcomes (MOMENT) was related to methodological quality (JADAD) (rho = 0.662; p = 0.000) and to year of publication (rho = 0.262; p = 0.028). Conclusions Methodological quality and outcome reporting quality appear correlated. However, publication characteristics do not have strong associations with the methodological quality of the studies. Evaluation of the quality of outcomes, methodology and publication characteristics are all an indispensable part of a staged process for the development of Core Outcome and Outcome Measure Sets.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunji Kwon ◽  
Jeongok Park ◽  
Sue Kim ◽  
Kyung Hee Lee

Abstract Background Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important concept to consider both individuals' ability to manage their daily lives and health status across the lifespan. Despite this variable's importance, there is a lack of clarification on the factors associated with HRQOL, especially for military women. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with HRQOL of military women in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army. Methods This cross-sectional study included 196 participants who were currently within their 5-year service period. HRQOL was measured by the Korean version of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire version 2.0 (SF-36v2), and depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Differences in HRQOL according to general and occupational factors were analyzed using the independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the HRQOL of women serving as military junior officers. Results The mean score for the physical component summary (PCS) of SF-36v2 was 56.0 ± 5.8, and that for the mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36v2 was 47.2 ± 10.0. For depression, the mean score was 5.4 ± 5.2, whereas 19.4% of the participants scored more than 10 out of 27 points, which means moderate to severe. No variables showed statistically significant relationships with the PCS. However, military women showed a lower score for MCS when they were officers (adjusted β = − 3.52; 95% CI = − 5.47, − 1.58), had higher perceived stress (adjusted β = − 0.62, 95% CI = − 0.83, − 0.41), and a higher score for depression (adjusted β = − 0.86, 95% CI = − 1.10, − 0.63). Conclusions Although depression levels were not severe, it was a significant factor of HRQOL. Stress and depression were found to be significant factors associated with the MCS in military women. Therefore, to improve their HRQOL, the ROK Army should provide early screening, intervention, and management program for high-risk military women. In addition, an appropriate organizational atmosphere within the military must be created to promote such programs.


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