Abstract
Using preprints in evidence synthesis: Commentary on experience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Highlights
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has rapidly spread, causing millions of cases and deaths globally
Rapid review teams should have a clear policy around whether they will or will not check peer review status of preprints included in a rapid review, and at what point in the review process this would occur
To highlight the issues we encountered in including preprints in rapid reviews of SARS-CoV-2 topics, we selected three exemplar peer reviewed rapid reviews produced by our team that varied in scope and where ≥10% of included studies were preprints produced by our team
Summary
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has rapidly spread, causing millions of cases and deaths globally. While preprints may potentially decrease publication bias, they may increase it through publication of small positive studies, they may influence media discourse, and a lack of awareness of the difference between preprints and published articles may lead to inaccurate preprints being shared as authoritative [17,18] Examples of this during the COVID-19 pandemic include two small linked preprints studies examining the association between smoking and COVID-19 gaining significant media attention, leading to claims that smoking is protective [19]. Another preprint suggesting similarities between COVID-19 and HIV caused significant online commentary and was subsequently withdrawn [20] Despite their potential drawbacks, preprint servers are playing an increasing role in informing decision-making during the current pandemic due to the need for timely evidence [21]. We describe issues we have encountered when including preprints in our rapid reviews, along with lessons learned, and suggestions for preprint study authors and review teams
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