OBJECTIVES: To determine the overall quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUOROMs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on the QUOROM statement, to compare the reporting quality of paper-based articles and Cochrane reviews, and to determine whether compliance with the statement improves over time. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A random sample of systematic reviews or meta-analyses of RCTs was selected from Medline (2000-2005). RESULTS: A total of 161 articles were included. The mean QUOROM score was 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.0, 12.6), which rose from 10.5 (95% CI: 8.8, 12.1) in 2000 to 13.0 (95% CI: 12.2, 13.8) in 2005. The mean QUOROM scores of Cochrane reviews and paper-based articles were 14.2 (95% CI: 13.9, 14.5) and 11.7 (95% CI: 11.3, 12.1), respectively. Compared with the paper-based articles, the Cochrane reviews had better reporting quality in the abstract section, while the quality of their trial flows was poor. The fulfillment of most QUOROM items improved with time. A linear relation of the QUOROM score with time was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The reporting quality of meta-analyses improves with time. The reporting quality of Cochrane reviews is better compared with paper-based articles. Room still exists for improvements in the reporting quality of both Cochrane and paper-based articles.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the overall quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUOROMs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on the QUOROM statement, to compare the reporting quality of paper-based articles and Cochrane reviews, and to determine whether compliance with the statement improves over time. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A random sample of systematic reviews or meta-analyses of RCTs was selected from Medline (2000-2005). RESULTS: A total of 161 articles were included. The mean QUOROM score was 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.0, 12.6), which rose from 10.5 (95% CI: 8.8, 12.1) in 2000 to 13.0 (95% CI: 12.2, 13.8) in 2005. The mean QUOROM scores of Cochrane reviews and paper-based articles were 14.2 (95% CI: 13.9, 14.5) and 11.7 (95% CI: 11.3, 12.1), respectively. Compared with the paper-based articles, the Cochrane reviews had better reporting quality in the abstract section, while the quality of their trial flows was poor. The fulfillment of most QUOROM items improved with time. A linear relation of the QUOROM score with time was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The reporting quality of meta-analyses improves with time. The reporting quality of Cochrane reviews is better compared with paper-based articles. Room still exists for improvements in the reporting quality of both Cochrane and paper-based articles.
Authors: Simon Bow; Jeffrey Klassen; Annabritt Chisholm; Lisa Tjosvold; Denise Thomson; Terry P Klassen; David Moher; Lisa Hartling Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2010-05-20 Impact factor: 2.125
Authors: Alessandro Liberati; Douglas G Altman; Jennifer Tetzlaff; Cynthia Mulrow; Peter C Gøtzsche; John P A Ioannidis; Mike Clarke; P J Devereaux; Jos Kleijnen; David Moher Journal: BMJ Date: 2009-07-21
Authors: Alessandro Liberati; Douglas G Altman; Jennifer Tetzlaff; Cynthia Mulrow; Peter C Gøtzsche; John P A Ioannidis; Mike Clarke; P J Devereaux; Jos Kleijnen; David Moher Journal: PLoS Med Date: 2009-07-21 Impact factor: 11.069
Authors: Peter J Gill; Kay Yee Wang; David Mant; Lisa Hartling; Carl Heneghan; Rafael Perera; Terry Klassen; Anthony Harnden Journal: PLoS One Date: 2011-08-01 Impact factor: 3.240