What is publication bias in medical research?

What is publication bias in medical research?

Publication bias occurs when the results of research studies influence whether they are published, often favoring positive outcomes.

Can you give me some examples of publication bias?

Sure! One example is when studies with positive results are more likely to be published than those with negative or inconclusive results.

How does publication bias affect medical practice?

It can lead to an overestimation of treatment effectiveness and misinform clinical guidelines, ultimately affecting patient care.

What can be done to reduce publication bias?

Encouraging the publication of all research findings, regardless of outcome, and registering studies in advance can help reduce bias.