A new tool has been developed to help researchers detect problematic clinical trials before including them in systematic reviews. 

What is INSPECT-SR?

The INSPECT-SR tool (INveStigating ProblEmatic Clinical Trials in Systematic Reviews) was created by an international group of researchers to address the risks posed by untrustworthy randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Problematic studies, including those affected by human error or research misconduct, can distort the evidence base that systematic reviews rely on, and in turn influence treatment guidelines. This can lead to misleading or even harmful recommendations. One of the most well-known examples of problematic studies was around claims the drug Ivermectin, hailed as a miracle drug that would save the lives of people with severe COVID-19. However, some of the trials used in the systematic reviews were not authentic, according to health authorities in the US, UK and EU. Subsequent high-quality trials suggested little or no benefit.

More information can be found here.