Timeliness of publication of randomized controlled trials in rheumatology: A systematic review.
Semin Arthritis RheumJul 30, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchRheumatology
Pankaj Bansal, Nasim A Khan, Harsimar Singh et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the timeliness of publication for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in rheumatology, analyzing 448 trials from January 2018 to June 2023. The median time from trial completion to publication was 549 days, with 65.9% published within 2 years. RCTs on COVID-19 were published significantly faster than those on rheumatologic diseases.
Key findings
- Median time from completion to publication was 549 days.
- 65.9% of RCTs were published within 2 years of completion.
- RCTs on COVID-19 were published sooner than those on rheumatologic diseases (253 vs. 549 days; p < 0.001).
- Delays in submission accounted for 67% of the total time to publication.
Why it matters
Understanding publication timelines is crucial for clinicians to access the latest research findings. Delays in publication can hinder the integration of new evidence into clinical practice, affecting patient care and treatment decisions.