Trends in Published Clinical Trial Phases Among Surgical Specialties, 2007–2017

Comment on “Trends in Published Clinical Trial Phases Among Surgical Specialties, 2007–2017”

“…Given that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the criterion standard source of evidence, it will probably come as no surprise to practicing surgeons that the annual rate of RCT public reporting is on the rise. In this issue, Niforatos et al elegantly confirm that not only has the rate of RCT reporting steadily increased over the last decade, but there has been a trend toward more reporting of phase IV studies 1 . The findings of Niforatos et al are important as they conclusively support that clinical investigators are making remarkable progress towards developing, testing and validating new approaches to surgical care across specialties.…”

“…In this issue, Niforatos et al elegantly confirm that not only has the rate of RCT reporting steadily increased over the last decade, but there has been a trend toward more reporting of phase IV studies. 1 The findings of Niforatos et al are important as they conclusively support that clinical investigators are making remarkable progress towards developing, testing and validating new approaches to surgical care across specialties. Their results indirectly suggest that surgical innovation is alive and well and that surgeons are overcoming barriers to conducting surgical trials.…”