Search for unpublished data by systematic reviewers: an audit

Ref ID 728
First Author H. Ziai
Journal BMJ OPEN
Year Of Publishing 2017
URL https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017737
Keywords Grey literature
Publication bias
General medical
Problem(s) Grey literature excluded
Poor consideration of publication bias
Number of systematic reviews included 203
Summary of Findings 36% of reviews did not describe an attempt to search for unpublished studies. Of those that did, 40% included unpublished data in analyses. 33% of reviews assessed publication bias and 40% of these reviews revealed evidence of publication bias.
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? Not Applicable
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? Yes