The Quality of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Literature over the Last Decade

Michael Coulter, Howard Greene, Tanner Miller, Rebecca Brady, Chandler Bennett, Christopher Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To describe the changes in the quality of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OTOHNS) literature over the last decade, and compare it to other surgical-based fields. Methods: Based on impact factors, the top eight clinical U.S. OTOHNS journals were selected, and articles were analyzed from 2020 (Oto 2020) and compared to 2010 (Oto 2010). This was done similarly for Neurosurgery, Orthopedic, Ophthalmology, and General Surgery journals in 2020 (non-Oto). To limit bias and account for random variability, the first 10 research articles from each journal in each group were included. Data regarding the study type, level of evidence, use of confidence intervals, and funding source were collected. Results: Based on an a priori power analysis, 160 articles were analyzed for Oto 2010 and Oto 2020. Compared to Oto 2020, Oto 2010 had more level 1 and 2 evidence (12 vs. 4; p = 0.032) and less reporting of confidence intervals (10 vs. 32; p < 0.001). Comparing the top 160 articles from 2020 from Non-Oto and OTOHNS (Oto), Non-Oto had more level 1 and 2 evidence (19 vs. 6; p = 0.0047), more randomized controlled trials (8 vs. 1; p = 0.016), and less reporting of confidence intervals (42 vs. 58; p = 0.009). Conclusion: High quality studies remain relatively scarce in the OTOHNS literature. Although reporting of confidence intervals has improved over the last decade, aggregate levels of evidence and extramurally funded studies lag behind other surgical-based fields. Better study design will provide stronger evidence basis, in hopes of improving clinical care. Level of Evidence: N/A Laryngoscope, 133:1853–1856, 2023.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1853-1856
Number of pages4
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume133
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Otolaryngology
  • journals
  • levels of evidence
  • literature
  • publications
  • quality
  • surgical

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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