[Registration and reporting of results from clinical trials in Nordic countries - there is scope for improvement].

Abstract

Reporting of results from clinical trials is necessary for reliable evidence in clinical decision making, and is mandated as an ethical and regulatory obligation. We have recently followed up reporting of clinical trials in the Nordic countries sponsored by medical universities and university hospitals. Of 2113 studies registered on the EU Clinical Trials Registry (EUCTR) or on clinicaltrials.gov and completed 2016-2019, about half reported results in any form after 24 months and more than one in five did not report results at all. For trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov, about half were prospectively registered. These results are consistent with results from follow-up of registered trials in other contexts and demonstrate that there is scope for improvement in registration and reporting of clinical trials. We urge public sector trial sponsors to enhance their support to trialists in order to ensure that trials are reported in a timely manner.