Article type
Abstract
Background: Conflicts of interest (COI) among authors of Cochrane systematic reviews (CSR) are of critical concern as they may introduce bias and undermine the integrity of evidence synthesis. A COI is characterized by a situation where there exists a potential risk that professional judgment or actions pertaining to a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest, which may encompass both financial and non-financial aspects [1]. Understanding the prevalence and nature of COI in systematic reviews is essential for maintaining the credibility and reliability of CSR.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent and characterize the conflicts of interest among authors of CSR published in 2023.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of CSR published in 2023 was conducted to identify potential conflicts of interest among authors. Data extraction included authors´ disclosures of financial relationships, industry affiliations, and other potential sources of bias.
Results: We included 409 reviews with a total of 2,805 authors. Out of the 2,805 authors, 970 declared any kind of conflicts of interest (34,58%). Specifically, 4,92% (138/2,805) of authors had financial conflict of interest, 10,70% (300/2,805) of authors were involved in studies included in the reviews, 13,08% (367/2,805) were Cochrane editors, and 17,68% (496/2,805) had other non-financial conflicts of interest. Financial conflicts of interest included authors' possession of stocks or employment with a pharmaceutical company.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate the frequency and varieties of conflicts of interest among authors of CSR released in 2023. The conflicts of interest declared by CSR authors are mostly non-financial. Effective management and disclosure of conflicts of interest are essential for upholding the credibility and reliability of evidence synthesis.
Relevance and Importance to Patients: Understanding and addressing conflicts of interest among review authors is crucial for ensuring that patients receive unbiased and trustworthy information. By promoting transparency and integrity in evidence synthesis, this study contributes to the advancement of methods that result in more robust evidence production and ultimately enhances patient-centered care.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent and characterize the conflicts of interest among authors of CSR published in 2023.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of CSR published in 2023 was conducted to identify potential conflicts of interest among authors. Data extraction included authors´ disclosures of financial relationships, industry affiliations, and other potential sources of bias.
Results: We included 409 reviews with a total of 2,805 authors. Out of the 2,805 authors, 970 declared any kind of conflicts of interest (34,58%). Specifically, 4,92% (138/2,805) of authors had financial conflict of interest, 10,70% (300/2,805) of authors were involved in studies included in the reviews, 13,08% (367/2,805) were Cochrane editors, and 17,68% (496/2,805) had other non-financial conflicts of interest. Financial conflicts of interest included authors' possession of stocks or employment with a pharmaceutical company.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate the frequency and varieties of conflicts of interest among authors of CSR released in 2023. The conflicts of interest declared by CSR authors are mostly non-financial. Effective management and disclosure of conflicts of interest are essential for upholding the credibility and reliability of evidence synthesis.
Relevance and Importance to Patients: Understanding and addressing conflicts of interest among review authors is crucial for ensuring that patients receive unbiased and trustworthy information. By promoting transparency and integrity in evidence synthesis, this study contributes to the advancement of methods that result in more robust evidence production and ultimately enhances patient-centered care.