Analysis of indications for selectively missing results in comparative registry-based studies in medicine: a meta-research study

We found that the results of registry-based studies might be selectively missing. Results from registry-based studies comparing medical interventions should be interpreted very cautiously, as positive findings could be a result from p-hacking, publication bias, or selective reporting. Prospective registration of such studies is necessary and should be made mandatory both in regulatory contexts and for publication in journals. Further research is needed to determine the main reasons for selectively missing results to support the development and implementation of more specific methods for preventing selectively missing results.

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Publication Details

Journal
Research Integrity and Peer Review
Published
2025-03-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-025-00159-x
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
3.13
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Analysis of indications for selectively missing results in comparative registry-based studies in medicine: a meta-research study

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1 citations
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Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
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article

Analysis of indications for selectively missing results in comparative registry-based studies in medicine: a meta-research study

Tim Mathes, Zhentian Zhang, Dawid Pieper, Paula Starke, Hannah Papmeier
article en
1 citations

Abstract

We found that the results of registry-based studies might be selectively missing. Results from registry-based studies comparing medical interventions should be interpreted very cautiously, as positive findings could be a result from p-hacking, publication bias, or selective reporting. Prospective registration of such studies is necessary and should be made mandatory both in regulatory contexts and for publication in journals. Further research is needed to determine the main reasons for selectively missing results to support the development and implementation of more specific methods for preventing selectively missing results.

Research Integrity and Peer ReviewVol. 10(1)
Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (DE), Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane (DE), The University of Adelaide (AU), University of Göttingen (DE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
3.13
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