Methodological Issues in COVID-19-Related Publications During the Pandemic

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global public health problem with its quick spread in a naive population, devastatingly affecting social and economic lives. The most positive effect of the pandemic has been on the novel, from bench-to-bedside scientific research, methodology, and publications. The unprecedented speed in planning, conducting, and reporting research activities has improved patient care and public policies during the pandemic. However, some overlooked methodological concerns have hindered the intrinsic and extrinsic validity of the publications. This study, based on peer-reviewed medical journals over the pandemic, aimed to increase awareness of common methodological issues that may improve the quality of evidence upon correction.