Consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) and the completeness of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in medical journals - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

Consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) and the completeness of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in medical journals

Lucy Turner et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012.

Abstract

Background: An overwhelming body of evidence stating that the completeness of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is not optimal has accrued over time. In the mid-1990s, in response to these concerns, an international group of clinical trialists, statisticians, epidemiologists, and biomedical journal editors developed the CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement. The CONSORT Statement, most recently updated in March 2010, is an evidence-based minimum set of recommendations including a checklist and flow diagram for reporting RCTs and is intended to facilitate the complete and transparent reporting of trials and aid their critical appraisal and interpretation. In 2006, a systematic review of eight studies evaluating the "effectiveness of CONSORT in improving reporting quality in journals" was published.

Objectives: To update the earlier systematic review assessing whether journal endorsement of the 1996 and 2001 CONSORT checklists influences the completeness of reporting of RCTs published in medical journals.

Search methods: We conducted electronic searches, known item searching, and reference list scans to identify reports of evaluations assessing the completeness of reporting of RCTs. The electronic search strategy was developed in MEDLINE and tailored to EMBASE. We searched the Cochrane Methodology Register and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the Wiley interface. We searched the Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, and Arts and Humanities Citation Index through the ISI Web of Knowledge interface. We conducted all searches to identify reports published between January 2005 and March 2010, inclusive.

Selection criteria: In addition to studies identified in the original systematic review on this topic, comparative studies evaluating the completeness of reporting of RCTs in any of the following comparison groups were eligible for inclusion in this review: 1) Completeness of reporting of RCTs published in journals that have and have not endorsed the CONSORT Statement; 2) Completeness of reporting of RCTs published in CONSORT-endorsing journals before and after endorsement; or 3) Completeness of reporting of RCTs before and after the publication of the CONSORT Statement (1996 or 2001). We used a broad definition of CONSORT endorsement that includes any of the following: (a) requirement or recommendation in journal's 'Instructions to Authors' to follow CONSORT guidelines; (b) journal editorial statement endorsing the CONSORT Statement; or (c) editorial requirement for authors to submit a CONSORT checklist and/or flow diagram with their manuscript. We contacted authors of evaluations reporting data that could be included in any comparison group(s), but not presented as such in the published report and asked them to provide additional data in order to determine eligibility of their evaluation. Evaluations were not excluded due to language of publication or validity assessment.

Data collection and analysis: We completed screening and data extraction using standardised electronic forms, where conflicts, reasons for exclusion, and level of agreement were all automatically and centrally managed in web-based management software, DistillerSR(®). One of two authors extracted general characteristics of included evaluations and all data were verified by a second author. Data describing completeness of reporting were extracted by one author using a pre-specified form; a 10% random sample of evaluations was verified by a second author. Any discrepancies were discussed by both authors; we made no modifications to the extracted data. Validity assessments of included evaluations were conducted by one author and independently verified by one of three authors. We resolved all conflicts by consensus.For each comparison we collected data on 27 outcomes: 22 items of the CONSORT 2001 checklist, plus four items relating to the reporting of blinding, and one item of aggregate CONSORT scores. Where reported, we extracted and qualitatively synthesised data on the methodological quality of RCTs, by scale or score.

Main results: Fifty-three publications reporting 50 evaluations were included. The total number of RCTs assessed within evaluations was 16,604 (median per evaluation 123 (interquartile range (IQR) 77 to 226) published in a median of six (IQR 3 to 26) journals. Characteristics of the included RCT populations were variable, resulting in heterogeneity between included evaluations. Validity assessments of included studies resulted in largely unclear judgements. The included evaluations are not RCTs and less than 8% (4/53) of the evaluations reported adjusting for potential confounding factors. Twenty-five of 27 outcomes assessing completeness of reporting in RCTs appeared to favour CONSORT-endorsing journals over non-endorsers, of which five were statistically significant. 'Allocation concealment' resulted in the largest effect, with risk ratio (RR) 1.81 (99% confidence interval (CI) 1.25 to 2.61), suggesting that 81% more RCTs published in CONSORT-endorsing journals adequately describe allocation concealment compared to those published in non-endorsing journals. Allocation concealment was reported adequately in 45% (393/876) of RCTs in CONSORT-endorsing journals and in 22% (329/1520) of RCTs in non-endorsing journals. Other outcomes with results that were significant include: scientific rationale and background in the 'Introduction' (RR 1.07, 99% CI 1.01 to 1.14); 'sample size' (RR 1.61, 99% CI 1.13 to 2.29); method used for 'sequence generation' (RR 1.59, 99% CI 1.38 to 1.84); and an aggregate score over reported CONSORT items, 'total sum score' (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.68 (99% CI 0.38 to 0.98)).

Authors' conclusions: Evidence has accumulated to suggest that the reporting of RCTs remains sub-optimal. This review updates a previous systematic review of eight evaluations. The findings of this review are similar to those from the original review and demonstrate that, despite the general inadequacies of reporting of RCTs, journal endorsement of the CONSORT Statement may beneficially influence the completeness of reporting of trials published in medical journals. Future prospective studies are needed to explore the influence of the CONSORT Statement dependent on the extent of editorial policies to ensure adherence to CONSORT guidance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Three review team members (DM, DGA, and KFS) comprise the executive of the CONSORT Group and have led the development of the CONSORT Statement since its inception in 1996. DM, KFS, and DGA are also members of the EQUATOR executive. One team member (LS) is CONSORT research staff, for which salary support is provided, in part, by the Medical Research Council, United Kingdom. Salary support for LT is provided under the Cochrane Bias Methods Group, funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Figures

1

1

Flow of evaluations through this review

2

2

'Risk of bias' summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

3

3

'Risk of bias' graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

4

4

Pooled risk ratios across assessed 2001 CONSORT checklist items with 99% confidence intervals for primary comparison, adherence of RCTs published in CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus RCTs published in CONSORT non‐endorsing journals Plot generated in Comprehensive Meta‐analysis Version 2.0 (CMA).

5

5

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.9 Allocation concealment.

6

6

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.2 Introduction.

7

7

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.7 Sample size.

8

8

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.8 Sequence generation.

9

9

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.23 Total sum score.

10

10

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.13 Participant flow.

11

11

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.1 Title and abstract.

12

12

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.6 Outcomes.

13

13

Forest plot of comparison: 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, outcome: 1.16 Numbers analysed.

14

14

Pooled risk ratios across assessed 2001 CONSORT checklist items with 99% confidence intervals for comparison 2, adherence of RCTs published in CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after endorsement. Plot generated in Comprehensive Meta‐analysis Version 2.0 (CMA).

15

15

Cross‐sectional sample of RCTs before and after the publication of CONSORT.

1.1

1.1. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 1 Title and abstract.

1.2

1.2. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 2 Introduction.

1.3

1.3. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 3 Participants.

1.4

1.4. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 4 Interventions.

1.5

1.5. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 5 Objectives.

1.6

1.6. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 6 Outcomes.

1.7

1.7. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 7 Sample Size.

1.8

1.8. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 8 Sequence generation.

1.9

1.9. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 9 Allocation concealment.

1.10

1.10. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 10 Implementation.

1.11

1.11. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 11 Blinding.

1.12

1.12. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 12 Statistical methods.

1.13

1.13. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 13 Participant flow.

1.14

1.14. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 14 Recruitment.

1.15

1.15. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 15 Baseline data.

1.16

1.16. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 16 Numbers analysed.

1.17

1.17. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 17 Outcomes and estimation.

1.18

1.18. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 18 Ancillary analyses.

1.19

1.19. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 19 Adverse events.

1.20

1.20. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 20 Interpretation.

1.21

1.21. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 21 Generalisability.

1.22

1.22. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 22 Overall evidence.

1.23

1.23. Analysis

Comparison 1 CONSORT‐endorsing journals versus CONSORT non‐endorsing journals, Outcome 23 Total sum score.

2.1

2.1. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 1 Title and abstract.

2.2

2.2. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 2 Introduction.

2.3

2.3. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 3 Participants.

2.4

2.4. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 4 Interventions.

2.5

2.5. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 5 Objectives.

2.6

2.6. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 6 Outcomes.

2.7

2.7. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 7 Sample size.

2.8

2.8. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 8 Sequence generation.

2.9

2.9. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 9 Allocation concealment.

2.10

2.10. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 10 Implementation.

2.11

2.11. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 11 Blinding.

2.12

2.12. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 12 Statistical methods.

2.13

2.13. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 13 Participant flow.

2.14

2.14. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 14 Recruitment.

2.15

2.15. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 15 Baseline data.

2.16

2.16. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 16 Numbers analysed.

2.17

2.17. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 17 Outcomes and estimation.

2.18

2.18. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 18 Ancillary analyses.

2.19

2.19. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 19 Adverse events.

2.20

2.20. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 20 Interpretation.

2.21

2.21. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 21 Generalisability.

2.22

2.22. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 22 Overall evidence.

2.23

2.23. Analysis

Comparison 2 CONSORT‐endorsing journals before and after CONSORT endorsement, Outcome 23 Total sum score.

3.1

3.1. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 1 Title and abstract.

3.2

3.2. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 2 Introduction.

3.3

3.3. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 3 Participants.

3.4

3.4. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 4 Interventions.

3.5

3.5. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 5 Objectives.

3.6

3.6. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 6 Outcomes.

3.7

3.7. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 7 Sample size.

3.8

3.8. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 8 Sequence generation.

3.9

3.9. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 9 Allocation concealment.

3.10

3.10. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 10 Implementation.

3.11

3.11. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 11 Blinding.

3.12

3.12. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 12 Statistical methods.

3.13

3.13. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 13 Participant flow.

3.14

3.14. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 14 Recruitment.

3.15

3.15. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 15 Baseline data.

3.16

3.16. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 16 Numbers analysed.

3.17

3.17. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 17 Outcomes and estimation.

3.18

3.18. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 18 Ancillary analysis.

3.19

3.19. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 19 Adverse events.

3.20

3.20. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 20 Interpretation.

3.21

3.21. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 21 Generalisability.

3.22

3.22. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 22 Overall evidence.

3.23

3.23. Analysis

Comparison 3 Sample of RCTs before and after CONSORT publication, Outcome 23 Total sum score.

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    1. Thoma A, Chew RT, Sprague S, Veltri K. Application of the CONSORT statement to randomized controlled trials comparing endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release. Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery 2006;14(4):205‐10. - PMC - PubMed
Tiruvoipati 2005 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Tiruvoipati R, Balasubramanian SP, Atturu G, Peek GJ, Elbourne D. Improving the quality of reporting randomized controlled trials in cardiothoracic surgery: the way forward. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 2006;132(2):233‐40. - PubMed
Uetani 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Uetani K, Nakayama T, Ikai H, Yonemoto N, Moher D. Quality of reports on randomized controlled trials conducted in Japan: evaluation of adherence to the CONSORT statement. Internal Medicine 2009;48(5):307‐13. - PubMed
Wang 2007 {published data only}
    1. Wang G, Mao B, Xiong ZY, Fan T, Chen XD, Wang L, et al. The quality of reporting of randomised controlled trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a survey of 13 randomly selected journals from mainland China. Clinical Theapeutics 2007;29:1456‐67. - PubMed
Wei 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Wei X, Tiejun L, Cheng W. Current situation on the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in 5 leading Chinese medical journals. Journal of Medical Colleges of PLA 2009;24(2):105‐11.
Yu 2010 {published data only}
    1. Yu LM, Chan AW, Hopewell S, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Reporting on covariate adjustment in randomised controlled trials before and after revision of the 2001 CONSORT statement: a literature review. Trials 2010;11:59. - PMC - PubMed
Zhong 2010 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Zhong YQ, Fu JJ, Liu XM, Diao X, Mao B, Fan T, et al. The reporting quality, scientific rigor, and ethics of randomized placebo‐controlled trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine compound formulations and the differences between Chinese and non‐Chinese trials. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental 2010;71(1):30‐49. - PMC - PubMed
Ziogas 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Ziogas DC, Zintzaras E. Analysis of the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials in acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes as governed by the CONSORT statement. Annals of Epidemiology 2009;19(7):494‐500. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Albavera‐Hernández 2009 {published data only}
    1. Albavera‐Hernandez C, Rodriguez JM, Idrovo AJ. Safety of botulinum toxin type A among children with spasticity secondary to cerebral palsy: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Clinical Rehabilitation 2009;23(5):394‐407. - PubMed
Berwanger 2009 {published data only}
    1. Berwanger O, Ribeiro RA, Finkelsztejn A, Watanabe M, Suzumura EA, Duncan BB, et al. The quality of reporting of trial abstracts is suboptimal: survey of major general medical journals. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2009;62(4):387‐92. - PubMed
Chowers 2009 {published data only}
    1. Chowers MY, Gottesman BS, Leibovici L, Pielmeier U, Andreassen S, Paul M. Reporting of adverse events in randomized controlled trials of highly active antiretroviral therapy: systematic review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2009;64(2):239‐50. - PubMed
Ellis 2005 {published data only}
    1. Ellis C, Hall JL, Khalil A, Hall JC. Evolution of methodological standards in surgical trials. ANZ Journal of Surgery 2005;75(10):874‐7. - PubMed
Li 2009 {published data only}
    1. Li JY, Zhang YF, Smith GS, Xue CJ, Luo YN, Chen WH, Skinner CJ, Finkelstein J. Quality of reporting of randomized clinical trials in Tai Chi interventions ‐ a systematic review. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2009. - PMC - PubMed
Mills 2005 {published data only}
    1. Mills E, Wu P, Gagnier J, Heels‐Ansdell D, Montori VM. An analysis of general medical and specialist journals that endorse CONSORT found that reporting was not enforced consistently. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2005;58(7):662‐7. - PubMed
Norton‐Mabus 2008 {published data only}
    1. Norton‐Mabus JC, Nelson DL. Reporting of randomized controlled trials in occupational therapy and speech therapy: evaluation using an expansion of the CONSORT statement. OTJR Occupation, Participation and Health 2008;28(2):64‐71.
Smith 2008 {published data only}
    1. Smith BA, Lee HJ, Lee JH, Choi M, Jones DE, Bausell RB, et al. Quality of reporting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the nursing literature: application of the consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT). Nursing Outlook 2008;56(1):31‐7. - PubMed
Taghinia 2008 {published data only}
    1. Taghinia AH, Liao EC, May JW. Randomized controlled trials in plastic surgery: a 20‐year review of reporting standards, methodologic quality, and impact. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2008;122(4):1253‐63. - PubMed
Xu 2008 {published data only}
    1. Xu L, Li J, Zhang M, Ai C, Wang L. Chinese authors do need CONSORT: reporting quality assessment for five leading Chinese medical journals. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2008;29(5):727‐31. - PubMed
Yu 2009 {published data only}
    1. Yu S, Zhong B, Zheng M, Xiao F, Dong Z, Zhang H. The quality of randomized controlled trials on DanShen in the treatment of ischemic vascular disease. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009;15(5):557‐65. - PubMed

References to studies awaiting assessment

Siegfried 2008 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Siegfried N, Clarke M, Volmink J, Merwe L. African HIV/AIDS trials are more likely to report adequate allocation concealment and random generation than North American trials. PLoS ONE 2008;3(10):e3491. - PMC - PubMed

Additional references

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