Following Cochrane Protocols to Completion: A Study
Author Information
Author(s): Tricco Andrea C., Brehaut Jamie, Chen Maggie H., Moher David
Primary Institution: University of Ottawa
Hypothesis
What factors predict the publication of Cochrane reviews?
Conclusion
About 80% of Cochrane protocols were published as full reviews after over 8 years, with a median publication time of 2.4 years.
Supporting Evidence
- 80.9% of protocols were published as full reviews.
- The median time to publication was 2.4 years.
- 19.1% of protocols remained unpublished.
- Shorter time to publication was linked to reviews being updated.
- Longer time to publication was associated with having two published protocols.
Takeaway
Most Cochrane studies get published, but it takes a long time, sometimes even more than 8 years.
Methodology
Retrospective cohort study analyzing Cochrane protocols from 2000 and 2001, tracking publication status until 2008.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias due to factors like funding and results direction.
Limitations
Data was abstracted by a single investigator, which could lead to inaccuracies.
Participant Demographics
Protocols primarily from the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
HR: 1.80 [95% CI: 1.39 to 2.33]
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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