Zombie reviews taking over the PROSPERO systematic review registry. It’s time to fight back!

Abstract

Prospective public registration of medical research is an important step to decrease the risk of duplication and reduce research waste, and increase transparency. It is a requirement for funding and publication of most clinical trials. Systematic reviews (SRs) are also important medical research—compiling original research to answer a specific research question using systematic searches, pre-established selection criteria and critically appraising and synthesising evidence to help answer a clinical question—helping clinicians make the best possible clinical decisions. Unfortunately, this cohesive advance in science is under attack. This editorial aims to highlight the current status of prospective registration of SRs and provide five useful tips. BJSM publishes methodological tips and pearls for conducting SRs.