Ethics in Reporting: Truth and the Scientific Literature

Editorial: Working with the Evidence

“…The issues regarding conflicts and bias in randomized trials and the evidence based literature have been frequent topics considered in this column. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] We have examined bias in study development, conduct, and reporting, and have echoed the concerns of Bjordal and others who have demonstrated that systematic reviews themselves are biased in their analysis of the "evidence base" and the subsequent recommendations promulgated as a result thereof. 5 The topics continue to receive notoriety as authors have considered "gizmo idolatry," 9 the influence of "industry influence," 10 the "quality" of RCTs of efficacy research in complementary and alternative medicine, 11 and the assessment of physician and patient preferences on research.…”