Masking, blinding, and peer review: the blind leading the blinded

Article Abstract:

The peer review process for published research articles has recently come under scrutiny. The wisdom of blinding the reviewers' identity to the authors and the authors' identity to the reviewers has come into question. Study results have been inconclusive as to whether either blinding tactic improves the quality of the review and eventual publication. Many authors and reviewers can guess the identity of the other anyway making blinding a difficult factor to assess. Improving the quality of the review process itself may be a more valuable but difficult endeavor.

Evaluation, Medical research

---

Time

Article Abstract:

The amount of time a doctor spends with each patient is a critical issue. Pressure is increasing for physicians to limit office visit time in order to help lower health care costs. Forty-one percent of US physicians interviewed in 1995 reported that their office visits had been shortened over the last three years. Several observational studies have shown a definite link between the length of time spent with a patient and the quality of care. A delicate balance of many factors must be met for optimal care to be achieved.

Time management, Medical examination, Periodic health examinations

---

Editor's world

Article Abstract:

The editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine believes journal editors and peer reviewers perform a valuable function. Although many authors may not agreed with this assessment, most doctors also want someone to critically review and screen the voluminous medical literature.

Journalism, Medical, Medical journalism

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Nipping scandals in the bud. And in the poor corner.... This is our problem too
• Abstracts: Raising kids in an age of affluence. Man of the house of the redefined. The family anchor
• Abstracts: Like a prayer. The passionate president. Bad blood over hepatitis C
• Abstracts: Burn food and fat faster! All your burning fat questions answered. Delete stress in 4 minutes
• Abstracts: Stoma care: principles and product type. Stoma care - 1(a): cutting a template. Stoma care - 2: emptying a drainable pouch

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.