Rev. DERC (Online) 2020; 26(3): 127-133
Meta-Research: Perspectives to Cardiovascular Scientific Production
Abstract
Meta-research, the science that studies the problems and solutions to improve science itself, has shown empirical evidences about waste in biomedical research resources. This is a broad field of study, which can shed light on questions about the quality of the description of interventions, transparency practices, and reproducibility of studies. In this paper, we will discuss the relevance of research questions, its importance to the end user (e.g. clinicians and patients), and methodological problems that needs surveillance. The low quality and omissions of cardiovascular randomized controlled trials intervention descriptions is present even with known reporting guidelines, such as the TIDieR, specific for describing non-pharmacological interventions. Non-replicable studies hinder science advancement at a theoretical and clinical level, since the lack of study registration, sharing research data and materials, or even selective reporting, may not satisfy a level of reproducibility that turns a body of evidence credible. Improving the quality of research methods and reports is a complex task that may require a cultural change in addressing science. It will depends on a series of corrections in all stages, from pre-submission to post-publication. The role of meta-research as an important contributor to improving the quality of research in cardiovascular scientific production has relevant clinical implications.
Keywords: Cardiac Rehabilitation; Cardiology; Meta-Research; Reports; Science
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