Experts identified warning signs of fraudulent research: a qualitative study to inform a screening tool

Fraudulent research exists but can be difficult to spot. Made-up studies and results can affect systematic reviews and clinical guidelines, causing harm through incorrect treatments and practices. Our aim was to explore indicators of research fraud that could be included in a screening tool to identify potentially problematic studies warranting a closer scrutiny. We conducted a qualitative international interview study, purposively recruiting participants with experience and/or expertise in research integrity, systematic reviews, biomedical publishing, or whistle-blowing research fraud. We used a thematic analysis to identify major concepts and ideas. We contacted 49 potential participants and interviewed 30 from 12 countries. Participants described research fraud as a growing concern, with a lack of widely accessible resources or education to assist in flagging problematic studies. They discussed early warning signs that could be contained in a screening tool for use either prepublication or postpublication. We did not speak to participants from indexing services, information software/analytics companies, or the public. Our suggested screening tools are empirically derived but are preliminary and not validated. A practical tool of early warning signs for research fraud would be useful for peer reviewers, editors, publishers, and systematic reviewers. •International experts describe key warning signs of research fraud and misconduct.•There is a lack of practical and accepted resources to guide identification or investigation of problematic studies.•Our empirically informed prepublication and postpublication checklists prompt investigation of potentially problematic studies.•We recommend a wide distribution of tools to improve fraud detection and help maintain integrity in the published evidence.