Study focuses on publication bias in journals
February 15th, 2008 Posted by: Dr. Cox
Washington — Physicians trying to keep up with the latest journal articles have their work cut out for them in more ways than one. First, there is the massive number of articles to read. Second, the possibility of publication bias must be considered. Both pose significant challenges when weighing the risks and benefits of therapeutic treatments.
“Evidence shows that even if physicians were to do their darndest to keep up with all of the literature … and even if they were just keeping up with the quality journals, they would still have to read 19 articles a day, 365 days a year. They just can’t do it,” said Kay Dickersin, PhD, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Clinical Trials at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.