Case reports/series & bias considerations

It was French philosopher Claude Lévi-Strauss who correctly stated, “The scientist is not the person gives right answer, (they're) one asks questions”.1Claud Levi-Strauss quotes. Brainy Quote. Available at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/claude_levistrauss_154677. Accessed May 24, 2021.Google Scholar The essence of good scientific research hinges on asking insightful questions and then developing proper methodology to test answer them. Unfortunately, bias often unintentionally introduced into process. Cambridge Dictionary defines as, “Any trend/deviation from truth in data collection, analysis, interpretation publishing, which can cause false conclusions”.2Bias. Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/bias. So, what forms exist? Over past 20+ years practice, I have gathered an ever-growing list various research. do specific references for each these; however, claim any following definitions are original me.•ADMISSION BIAS: A form VOLUNTEER BIAS (see below); population being studied does reflect general that should be considered.•CONFIRMATION Information confirms your preconceptions/beliefs avoids/undervalues/disregards information inconsistent with own beliefs.•DATA ANALYSIS Fabrication nonexistant data, abusing by eliminating outliers support hypothesis, and/or manipulating using inappropriate statistical tests or “fishing” will desired outcome.•DATA INTERPRETATION Discussion observed differences were statistically significant (a.k.a. ”borderline significant”) may but clinically irrelevant. Also includes extrapolation outside range actually overgeneralization study conclusions population.•FUNDING Prevailing studies come company funds them, results/outcomes consistently companies marketing interests.•HINDSIGHT Researcher(s) convince themselves after event has already occurred they had accurately predicted it before happened.•MISCLASSIFICATION Occurs poorly defined pathology easy precisely diagnose no “gold standard.”•PUBLICATION Journals much more likely publish manuscripts presenting a positive neutral outcome than negative one.•RECENCY Tendency project recent experiences observations future causing predictions about based events past.•SAMPLING/ASCERTAINMENT Some subjects systematically selected sample others thereby limiting generalizability.•SELECTION Unequal representation studied.•SURGEON/CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Outcomes design surgeons/centers excellence skewed towards even complex situations so outcomes generalizable common surgeon/facility.•SURVIVOR SAMPLING BIAS; patients/data points make selection process focused those did overlooked/ignored.•VOLUNTEER recruitment type subject/population studied. What this Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports Cases (FASTRAC)? Well, think back interesting cases you involved might worth publishing fact published. Now how would construct manuscript. potentially introduced. Stuck? By definition, case report ADMISSION SELECTION because included considered unique been specifically reason. CONFIRMATION, HINDSIGHT, PUBLICATION RECENCY all exist personally responsible subject's outcome, confirmed follow-up visit. SURVIVORSHIP patient undergo surgery their uncommon present. now what? reviewing myriad manuscript submissions FASTRAC, recognized while most authors present weaknesses presented discussion section, date, author attempts control readers real perceived In order facilitate process, added FASTRAC “Guide Authors” (https://www.elsevier.com/journals/foot-and-ankle-surgery-techniques-reports-and-cases/2667-3967/guide-for-authors) need specify made bias. If unable bias, they'll asked believe reader consider prior addressing same similar approaches presented. As result, able follow teachings simultaneously benefit contained within provides us reminded address questions. Be well, Tom declared potential conflicts interest respect research, authorship, publication article.