title: Is there a solution to publication bias? Researchers call for changes in dissemination of clinical research results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore opinions of authors of published reports of clinical trials and Cochrane systematic reviews on the causes and methods of preventing publication bias.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online questionnaire was developed and sent to researchers publishing in high-impact or national general medical journals, authors of Cochrane systematic reviews, and a general population of researchers. Open-ended questions about publication bias were qualitatively analyzed. We also held a focus group with experienced researchers and/or Cochrane reviewers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Publication bias was common: 48 (36%) respondents had own unpublished trials and 40 (30%) admitted selective outcome reporting; but researchers felt strongly that blame rested also with the system that promotes and augments publication bias practices. Qualitative analysis of both survey responses and focus group discussion identified possible ways of reducing publication bias through increased transparency, improvements to trial registries, search engines and databases, enhancement of the role of institutional review boards, positive encouragement of scientists, and policy changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although well aware of the problem, clinical researchers knowingly contribute to problems of selective reporting and nonpublication of trials. They call for changes in current practices of journal-based communication of trial reporting and for systematic evaluation of measures to decrease publication bias.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malički
authors.affiliation: Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia. Electronic address: ana.marusic@mefst.hr.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marušić
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017594:Publication Bias; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Clinical trials; Focus groups; Guideline adherence; Information dissemination; Publication bias; Questionnaires