Maximizing value and minimizing waste in swine research: Availability and accessibility of research reports

Abstract

To be useful for decision-making, research results need to be available. This means that full reports (methods and results) for trials need to be published, preferably in a journal. However, there is evidence that only a small proportion of swine trials presented at conferences are subsequently published in journals. This is problematic, as results may differ between a conference presentation and journal publication. Published results also need to be accessible, either through open-access or traditional journals or through other sources that do not violate copyright agreements. Researchers should strive to make full research reports widely available.

A sounder of swine: The importance of clustering in the design, analysis, and interpretation of clinical trials

“…1 However, there is evidence from the published research that trial design, conduct, and analysis is suboptimal in swine trials. [2][3][4] Previous commentaries in this series have discussed accessibility of research reports, 5 issues relating to selection of interventions and outcomes, 6,7 and reducing risk of bias 8 to maximize the value of swine trial research. In this commentary, we focus on the issue of clustering.…”