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Table 1 Ranked design factors that influenced an editor's decision to accept a study for publication.

From: A survey of orthopaedic journal editors determining the criteria of manuscript selection for publication

Study design factors

Percentage score (very unimportant/slightly unimportant/indifferent/slightly important/very important)

The study conclusions are justified

80% very important

The statistical analysis is appropriate

76% very important

The study findings could change practice

72% very important

The level of evidence

70% very important

The study design (e.g. randomised controlled trial)

62% very important

The study is a 'hot topic

53% slightly important

The study complies with the journal's aim

48% very important

The study has a large sample size

45% slightly important

The study reinforces my beliefs

41% very unimportant

The study findings are unexpected

39% slightly important

The study findings are statistically significant

38% very important