Opinions and potential solutions regarding dissemination bias from funding agencies of biomedical research in Europe
Por:
Pardo-Hernandez, H, Urrutia, G, Meerpohl, JJ, Marusic, A, Wager, E, Bonfill, X, OPEN Project Consortium
Publicada:
1 feb 2018
Resumen:
Rationale, aims, and objectivesSeveral studies have found that about half of research results from clinical trials are never published. Until now, there has been little information on the views that funding agencies of biomedical research in Europe have regarding this issue and its possible solutions.
MethodsAn electronic survey was conducted among funding agencies from 34 European countries. Participants were asked about their opinions, policies, and potential solutions regarding dissemination bias. On the basis of the results of this survey and the input of the OPEN Consortium and of representatives of stakeholder groups in the knowledge generation process, we formulated recommendations for funding agencies to reduce dissemination bias.
ResultsWe received responses from 64 funding agencies of biomedical medicine from most European countries, out of 245 that were contacted (26%). Of these, 56 funded research at the national and/or international level and were therefore eligible to participate. Policies encouraging publication increased over time: 33 (58.9%) of agencies enforced them in 2005 compared to 38 (67.6%) in 2012. However, only 13 (23.2%) had knowledge of the publications related to research funded in 2005, 23 (41.1%) were able to provide only an estimate, and 20 (35.7%) did not know at all. Regarding recommendations to control dissemination bias, we propose that funding agencies request the dissemination of research results irrespective of the direction of findings. We also call for measures that allow evaluating funded projects past the contractual period and until dissemination of results. Funding agencies should create publicly accessible databases with information on funded projects and dissemination efforts.
ConclusionDespite having policies to encourage publication of results, most funding agencies fail to implement such measures or to ensure compliance. We propose recommendations that could be incorporated in the blueprint of calls for proposals and contracts agreed upon by funding agencies and grant recipients.
Filiaciones:
Pardo-Hernandez, H:
St Pau Biomed Res Inst IIB St Pau, Iberoamer Cochrane Ctr, Carrer St Antoni Maria Claret 167,Pavello 18, Barcelona, Spain
Urrutia, G:
St Pau Biomed Res Inst IIB St Pau, Iberoamer Cochrane Ctr, Carrer St Antoni Maria Claret 167,Pavello 18, Barcelona, Spain
CIBERESP, Barcelona, Spain
Meerpohl, JJ:
Univ Freiburg, Cochrane Germany, Med Ctr, Fac Med, Breisacherstr 153, F-79110 Freiburg, France
Univ Paris 05, Ctr Rech Epidemiol & Stat, Sorbonne Paris Cite, U1153,Inserm,Cochrane France,Hop Hotel Dieu, 1 Pl Parvis Notre Dame, F-75181 Paris 04, France
Marusic, A:
Univ Split, Cochrane Croatia, Sch Med, Split, Croatia
Univ Split, Dept Res Biomed & Hlth, Sch Med, Split, Croatia
Wager, E:
Sideview, Princes Risborough, England
Bonfill, X:
St Pau Biomed Res Inst IIB St Pau, Iberoamer Cochrane Ctr, Carrer St Antoni Maria Claret 167,Pavello 18, Barcelona, Spain
CIBERESP, Barcelona, Spain
Univ Autonoma Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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