Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Dermatology
Date Submitted: Aug 31, 2019
Date Accepted: Oct 20, 2019
Transparent, Reproducible, and Open Science Practices of Published Literature in Dermatology Journals: A Cross-sectional Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Reproducible research is a foundational component for scientific advancements, yet little is known regarding the extent of reproducible research within the dermatology literature.
Objective:
We sought to determine the quality and transparency of the literature in dermatology journals by evaluating for the presence of 8 indicators of reproducible and transparent research practices.
Methods:
By implementing a cross-sectional study design, we conducted an advanced search of publications in dermatology journals from the National Library of Medicine catalog. Our search included articles published between January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. After generating a list of eligible dermatology publications, we then searched for full-text PDF versions using Open Access Button, Google Scholar, and/or PubMed. Each publication was analyzed for eight indicators of reproducibility and transparency, using a pilot-tested Google Form.
Results:
After exclusions, 127 studies with empirical data were included in our analysis. The majority of publications (113, 89%) did not provide unmodified, raw data used to make computations, 124 (98%) failed to make complete protocols available, and 126 (99%) did not include step-by-step analysis scripts.
Conclusions:
Our sample of studies published in dermatology journals do not appear to include sufficient detail to be accurately and successfully reproduced in their entirety. Solutions to increase the quality, reproducibility, and transparency of dermatology research are warranted. More robust reporting of key methodological details, open data sharing, and stricter standards journals impose on authors regarding disclosure of study materials might help to better the climate of reproducible research in dermatology.
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