Q: Would it be a problem if I write two papers for an identical patient for different treatments?
I have earlier written a comparative study for different operative methods. Now, I am planning to write a paper on the effects of different treatments, that is, with and without postoperative medication. Would it be a problem if I extract part of the data of the former study for the control group? Of course, I will add annotations and citations in the Methods section.
There are some parts of your question that are not clear. So, based on the information you have provided, here is what we understand:
- Rather than “identical patient,” you mean “similar patients.”
- There are two studies and four groups in all.
- In the previous study, groups A and B (for example) were compared for different operative methods.
- In the present study, groups C and D (for example, again) were compared for different treatments.
- By “former study for the control group,” you mean the control group in the previous study, for example, Group A.
Based on these factors, we believe it should be fine to use some data from Group A (for example, again) as this seems to be a completely new research question and analysis (rather than a case of salami slicing). However, you will need to do the following:
- Ensure that the comparison is indeed suitable, in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria, dates of sample collection, and statistical analysis.
- Ensure that you clearly mention the overlap and appropriately cite the previous paper (as you have already mentioned you will).
- When submitting, to be entirely transparent, include this information in the cover letter to the journal.
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This content belongs to the Conducting Research Stage