Abstract
The frequency and cognizance of withdrawals and retractions (WAR) have been increasing across science. However, no work so far has evaluated the frequency and causes of WAR of Cochrane systematic reviews, which impact policy and practice globally. A retrospective meta-scientific study of Cochrane systematic reviews, published during 1996-2023, that were marked as WAR, was retrieved from PubMed. Data was extracted with independent review and validation related to year of publication, country, editorial group, World Bank income classification of country of co-authors, and listed reasons for WAR. Protocols were excluded. We found that outdated articles and authors' unavailability for updates were common reasons for WAR. This research sheds light on maintaining the reliability of evidence in healthcare.
Aim
The aim of this study is to comprehensively analyze the frequency and underlying reasons for withdrawals and retractions (WAR) of Cochrane systematic reviews.
Intended Impact of the Study
Through this work, we will describe to various stakeholders the state of withdrawals and retractions in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews.
This information will be helpful to researchers, grant funders, and users of Cochrane systematic reviews.
Project Lead
Project Collaborators
Aman Bhonsale
Vinay Suresh
Ahmad Ozair
Keywords
Research Area(s)
Study Design(s)
Other Designs: Retrospective meta-scientific study
Data Collection Method(s)
Participant(s)
Other Participants: None
Status
Expected completion date: December 31, 2024
Stage
Dissemination Activity/Activities
Other(s): Publication in peer-reviewed journals and possible presentation at an international conference