Author: Aya Mousa, Senior Research Fellow in Women's Cardiometabolic Health, Monash University

Good health care depends on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. They translate the best available research into recommendations that shape diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. But what happens when the studies underpinning these guidelines are flawed? Evidence suggests scientific misconduct – from fabricated or manipulated data to methodological errors and ethical concerns – is a growing problem. In some disciplines, estimates suggest as many as 40% of studies included in systematic reviews may have issues with their integrity. This is not just an academic issue. When flawed studies are used to guide real-world health care, the consequences for health-care providers and…