Publishing and evidence
Preprint
A research manuscript shared publicly before completion of formal peer review.
What it means
Definition
Preprint. A preprint allows rapid access to research but has not yet been scrutinised through journal peer review. Findings may change, be corrected or fail to pass review.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
Headlines based on preprints should clearly state that the work has not yet been peer reviewed.