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Unfortunately, however, a large proportion of research findings from clinical trials, as well as epidemiological studies, are never published in a journal or made available to the public or the research PF-05212384 (PKI-587) [1]. And where studies are published, a bias resulting from only selectively reporting outcomes with positive findings from the trials is frequently encountered [2].
This non-availability of findings results mainly from a tendency of authors to submit – and a preference of journals to accept – articles that report findings that are new or are deemed important. The publication of unsuccessful trial results on the other hand is often perceived as not necessary at all, or least not relevant or helpful to the advancement of scientific research [3]. However, such a perspective overlooks that non-publication or selective publication of results is highly problematic. It may not only lead to the duplication of (unsuccessful) studies thereby potentially harming future patients, but more importantly also skews the available evidence base for clinical decision-making. Non-publication or selective publication of results of clinical trials therefore comes at significant economic cost and an unnecessary use of limited resources.