Proposing Minimum Requirements for Announcing Clinical Trial Results During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Recently, results from at least six major randomized clinical trials studying management of COVID-19 have been announced via press release. Given the unique nature of the pandemic, results of such trials often have immediate and worldwide relevance. Yet, while press releases serve the important purpose of disseminating top-level results quickly, they are inherently limited in scope, and rarely include sufficient data to inform practice. Herein, we propose a minimum set of trial characteristics and results to be released simultaneously with clinical trial announcements. This practice will ensure data related to the management of COVID-19 can be used to appropriately impact care, while responding to the needs of diverse stakeholders in the scientific and publishing communities, as well as the public at large.