Ensuring Quality in Peer Review and Editorial Practice for Evidence Synthesis

Описание: High-quality evidence syntheses are essential for guiding evidence-based healthcare and policy decisions. Yet, an increasing number of methodologically flawed reviews—often single-authored, lacking comprehensive searches, dual screening, proper risk of bias assessment, or certainty-of-evidence evaluation—are being published in peer-reviewed journals. Such practices risk misleading decision-makers, undermining public trust, and diluting the scientific value of evidence synthesis.

In this webinar, we discussed how the peer review and journal editorial process can play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of evidence synthesis. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, the presenters outlined practical strategies for strengthening peer review and editorial oversight, including enforcing reporting guidelines, improving editorial and reviewer expertise, and exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The session highlighted how rigorous peer review processes can ensure trustworthy syntheses that inform policy, practice, and public understanding.

Dr David Moher is a senior scientist with the Clinical Epidemiology Program at Ottowa Hospital Research Institute, where he directs the Centre for Journalology, and a full professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottowa. David's work spans a wide range of topics, including knowledge synthesis, predatory journals, reporting guidelines, and open science.

Dr. KM Saif-Ur-Rahman is the Director of Ireland Grade Network, Evidence Synthesis Methods Lead at Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, and a senior research fellow with the Centre for Health Research Methods at the University of Galway. Saif is also a dedicated mentor and educator, co-supervising PhD students and instructing both at the University of Galway and internationally.