Quality Assessment of Published Randomized, Controlled Trials in Trauma Monthly Journal

Abstract

Context: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have a major role in making the evidence-based decisions on healthcare. Therefore, the assessment of the quality of RCTs is important to properly apply the evidence-based healthcare. The current study aimed at assessing the quality of RCT reports published in Trauma Monthly Journal. Evidence Acquisition: The quality assessment of each report was performed using a checklist based on the CONSORT (consolidated standards of reporting trials) Statement and Jadad criteria. Results: Fifteen RCTs were published from 2011 to 2015 in Trauma Monthly journal out of which 5 (33.3%) reported the pain outcomes, 7 (46.6%) reports included surgical interventions, and 3 (33.3%) reports included patients with different types of fractures. According to the CONSORT checklist, the best report belonged to the definition of interventions for each group with sufficient details. The mean score of Jadad was 2.27 (45.4% of maximum possible total score). According to both scales, there was an increase in the periods of time in the quality of reporting. Conclusions: The results showed a moderate quality score in RCTs and an improvement over the years. Training courses for researchers, managing reporting standard tools presented by editors (CONSORT checklist) and employing methodologists and statistical experts can improve the quality of published RCTs.