Adequate statistical power in clinical trials is associated with the combination of a male first author and a female last author

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.34412
• Publication Date: 2018-06-05T00:00:14Z
• Authors: Willem M Otte; Joeri K Tijdink; Paul L Weerheim; Herm J Lamberink; Christiaan H Vinkers
• Keywords: Statistical power; Clinical Research; Statistical Analysis

Clinical trials have a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of new treatments interventions medicine. A key characteristic clinical trial is its statistical power. Here we investigate whether power related to gender first last authors on paper reporting results trial. Based an analysis 31,873 published between 1974 2017, find that adequate was most often present with male author female (20.6%, 95% confidence interval 19.4-21.8%), this figure significantly higher than percentage for other combinations (12.5-13.5%; P<0.0001). The absolute number gradually increased over time, rising from 20.7% (1975-85) 28.5% (after 2005). Our demonstrate importance diversity research collaborations emphasize need increase women senior positions