What is the state of evidence of citation bias in healthcare related research – a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of evidence-based practice is to ensure that patients receive care and treatment based on the best available knowledge. One element of this knowledge is based on scientific research. To ensure that the evidence resulting from research is valid and reliable, efforts must be made to prevent bias that might occur during the production and dissemination of research results. One such bias is related to the practice of citation. Objective: To identify empirical evidence concerning the extent and character of citation bias in research within the healthcare professions. Method: A scoping review was conducted based on the guideline suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A comprehensive search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Cochrane Methodological database. In addition, the reference lists of all included studies were screened, and an expert in the field of research methodology consulted. The findings were presented in a narrative text based upon a descriptive analysis. Result: 46 individual publications were included in this review, presenting evidence concerning 16 potential sources of citation bias. The articles have been published between 1982 and 2019, covering 15 fields of research. Out of the 46 studies, 34 were cross-sectional studies. Quality assessments and risk of bias assessments are not required for scoping review. Conclusion: The quality of the evidence was not assessed. The timeframe is very wide and none of the research fields have conducted substantial research on any of 5 the potentials sources of bias. To confidently answer questions concerning citation bias in research within the healthcare professions, more research is needed.