Published June 11, 2019 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Meta-Research: A comprehensive review of randomized clinical trials in three medical journals reveals 396 medical reversals

  • 1. Oregon Health & Science University
  • 2. University of Maryland
  • 3. University of Chicago

Description

The ability to identify medical reversals and other low-value medical practices is an essential prerequisite for efforts to reduce spending on such practices. Through an analysis of more than 3000 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in three leading medical journals (the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine), we have identified 396 medical reversals. Most of the studies (92%) were conducted on populations in high-income countries, cardiovascular disease was the most common medical category (20%), and medication was the most common type of intervention (33%).

Data availability

Data were obtained from publicly available data and are included in the manuscript and supporting files.

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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.7554/eLife.45183
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:9978

Funding

Laura and John Arnold Foundation

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Biological Sciences Division
Department(s)
Medicine