title: [Publication bias--the Achilles' heel of medical research].
abstract: Overestimation of results that are positive or meet the expectations may lead to biased information and have an influence on treatment practices. Compared with positive research results, the publication delay of negative results may be longer by up to several years. The file drawer effect, grey literature, selective publication of results along with commercial interests or lack thereof also influence the selection of publications. Publication bias can be reduced by registering studies in databases, by agreeing upon rights to the results and by favoring open peer review.
authors.affiliation: UKK-instituutti ja Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos.
authors.forename: Riitta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luoto
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D019992:Databases as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017712:Peer Review, Research; D017594:Publication Bias