Citation analysis did not provide a reliable assessment of core outcome set uptake

Barnes, Karen L ORCID: 0000-0002-8517-8996, Kirkham, Jamie J ORCID: 0000-0003-2579-9325, Clarke, Mike and Williamson, Paula R ORCID: 0000-0001-9802-6636 (2017) Citation analysis did not provide a reliable assessment of core outcome set uptake. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, 86. pp. 153-159.

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Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim of the study was to evaluate citation analysis as an approach to measuring core outcome set (COS) uptake, by assessing whether the number of citations for a COS report could be used as a surrogate measure of uptake of the COS by clinical trialists.<h4>Study design and setting</h4>Citation data were obtained for COS reports published before 2010 in five disease areas (systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, sepsis and critical care, and female sexual dysfunction). Those publications identified as a report of a clinical trial were examined to identify whether or not all outcomes in the COS were measured in the trial.<h4>Results</h4>Clinical trials measuring the relevant COS made up a small proportion of the total number of citations for COS reports. Not all trials citing a COS report measured all the recommended outcomes. Some trials cited the COS reports for other reasons, including the definition of a condition or other trial design issues addressed by the COS report.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Although citation data can be readily accessed, it should not be assumed that the citing of a COS report indicates that a trial has measured the recommended COS. Alternative methods for assessing COS uptake are needed.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Core outcome set, Uptake, Citation analysis, Clinical trials, Systemic sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Eczema, Sepsis and critical care, Female sexual dysfunction
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	05 Apr 2017 14:39
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 07:07
DOI:	10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.03.003
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3006796