Article type
Abstract
Background: Clinical trial registries were established with a general aim of reducing publication bias. Searching trial registries as part of the search process for Cochrane reviews has been mandatory since 2013. There is growing interest in how clinical trial registration status and trial registry data impacts on systematic review findings. The extent of trial registry information use in Cochrane reviews is not well established.
Objectives: To audit how clinical trial registries of various types and associated subject-specific registers are currently used in Cochrane intervention reviews.
Methods: We selected the 5 most recently published intervention reviews or review updates from 52 Cochrane Review Groups (search date: 1 February 2017). A single assessor extracted data from each review on the frequency of: i) trial registry searching; ii) reporting results of trial registry searches; and, iii) use of information obtained from trial registries in the review (e.g. for risk-of-bias or GRADE assessment, and planning review updates).
Results: Preliminary results from 60 reviews (12 CRGs) showed that 90% (54/60) included a search of at least one major registry or portal (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP). The number of records retrieved from trial registries was reported in 26% of reviews. Information obtained from clinical trial registries was used in 65% (39/60) of reviews - most frequently for risk-of-bias assessment with 20% (12/60) of reviews using trial registry data when judging reporting bias. In 18% (11/60) of reviews, the Discussion section included mentions of trial registry information in Potential Biases in the Review Process and Implications for Practice or Research. Twelve per cent (7/60) of reviews used the phrase 'No ongoing studies were identified' if trial registry searches did not retrieve any eligible ongoing studies.
Conclusions: The majority of audited reviews used trial registry data in some way. Based on these preliminary results, trial registries are being routinely searched in Cochrane reviews, but guidance should be established to assist review teams to make use of information obtained from searching these sources.
Objectives: To audit how clinical trial registries of various types and associated subject-specific registers are currently used in Cochrane intervention reviews.
Methods: We selected the 5 most recently published intervention reviews or review updates from 52 Cochrane Review Groups (search date: 1 February 2017). A single assessor extracted data from each review on the frequency of: i) trial registry searching; ii) reporting results of trial registry searches; and, iii) use of information obtained from trial registries in the review (e.g. for risk-of-bias or GRADE assessment, and planning review updates).
Results: Preliminary results from 60 reviews (12 CRGs) showed that 90% (54/60) included a search of at least one major registry or portal (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP). The number of records retrieved from trial registries was reported in 26% of reviews. Information obtained from clinical trial registries was used in 65% (39/60) of reviews - most frequently for risk-of-bias assessment with 20% (12/60) of reviews using trial registry data when judging reporting bias. In 18% (11/60) of reviews, the Discussion section included mentions of trial registry information in Potential Biases in the Review Process and Implications for Practice or Research. Twelve per cent (7/60) of reviews used the phrase 'No ongoing studies were identified' if trial registry searches did not retrieve any eligible ongoing studies.
Conclusions: The majority of audited reviews used trial registry data in some way. Based on these preliminary results, trial registries are being routinely searched in Cochrane reviews, but guidance should be established to assist review teams to make use of information obtained from searching these sources.