Abstract
Background: Reproducibility and transparency are essential pillars of high-quality biomedical research, particularly in chronic pain management, a field with significant societal and economic impacts. Despite increasing recognition of their importance, adherence to data-sharing practices remains inconsistent, with varying levels of engagement among top journals in pain and pain management (P&PM).
Methods: Original research articles from five of the top P&PM journals were screened and analyzed for data-sharing statements (DSS). Furthermore, we identified influential variables on the inclusion of DSS in pain clinical-studies; and thematically analyzed their content to identify prevalent themes. Lastly, corresponding authors were contacted to assess their willingness to share their data.
Results: A comprehensive literature review of clinical studies published between 2020 and 2023 identified 602 eligible articles. DSS inclusion varied significantly, with the Journal of Headache and Pain achieving 100% compliance, while others, such as the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, lagged at 20%. Hierarchical logistic regression highlighted substantial journal-level variability, but no significant differences by study design. Thematic analysis revealed pervasive reliance on corresponding authors (68.97%) and conditional data availability (93.87%) as barriers to open data sharing. When contacted, only 34.38% of corresponding authors responded, with less than half providing data as promised.
Conclusions: This cross-sectional study evaluated the use of data-sharing statements (DSS) in the five leading P&PM journals, analyzing trends and barriers to implementation. These findings underscore the need for stronger policies and resources to support transparency. Recommendations include adopting mandatory DSS policies, providing editorial support, and fostering collaborations to standardize open science practices across the field.
Methods: Original research articles from five of the top P&PM journals were screened and analyzed for data-sharing statements (DSS). Furthermore, we identified influential variables on the inclusion of DSS in pain clinical-studies; and thematically analyzed their content to identify prevalent themes. Lastly, corresponding authors were contacted to assess their willingness to share their data.
Results: A comprehensive literature review of clinical studies published between 2020 and 2023 identified 602 eligible articles. DSS inclusion varied significantly, with the Journal of Headache and Pain achieving 100% compliance, while others, such as the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, lagged at 20%. Hierarchical logistic regression highlighted substantial journal-level variability, but no significant differences by study design. Thematic analysis revealed pervasive reliance on corresponding authors (68.97%) and conditional data availability (93.87%) as barriers to open data sharing. When contacted, only 34.38% of corresponding authors responded, with less than half providing data as promised.
Conclusions: This cross-sectional study evaluated the use of data-sharing statements (DSS) in the five leading P&PM journals, analyzing trends and barriers to implementation. These findings underscore the need for stronger policies and resources to support transparency. Recommendations include adopting mandatory DSS policies, providing editorial support, and fostering collaborations to standardize open science practices across the field.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| State | Published - 14 Feb 2025 |
| Event | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States Duration: 10 Feb 2025 → 14 Feb 2025 https://medicine.okstate.edu/research/research_days.html |
Conference
| Conference | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Tulsa |
| Period | 10/02/25 → 14/02/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- pain management
- pain
- data sharing
- transparency
- medicine