On making clinical research count

Abstract

Principles of sound research design are inconstantly applied to scientific investigations. Quality research depends on good study design. Many research groups appear to favor quick publishable experiments over more rigorously controlled ones. Clinicians seem inadequately prepared to critically evaluate journal articles for quality of research, clinical relevance, and comparability of reports. Clinicians and researchers alike are increasingly aware of these problems, and are calling for greater attention to research design in scientific work. Authors should explain their procedures and the study's relevance to clinical practice. Educators are encouraged to increase teaching of research design and interpretation of scientific writing.