Publishing Clinical Trial Results: The Future Beckons

Abstract

Formats for reporting results from randomized clinical trials in peer-reviewed journals have remained virtually unchanged and unchallenged for the past 50 years [1]. However, a number of developments, some technological and some political, provide exciting opportunities to question whether we are using the most efficient and effective methods of publication. Here, I suggest how methods of reporting clinical trials could be improved and consider the implications for trial sponsors and medical journals.