Dissemination of Research Through Self-publication: Bypassing Traditional Peer Review Can Compromise Scientific Rigor – An Example From the Telehealth Literature

SYNOPSIS: This Viewpoint is an opinion piece exemplifying potential risks to scientific integrity when disseminating scientific knowledge that bypasses traditional peer review. A recent report on the value of virtual physical therapy for people with musculoskeletal pain becomes an exemplar of how inappropriate methodology, unsupported claims, and exaggerated conclusions become a resource to influence policy decisions but bypass the opportunity for formal critique via peer review. Despite its widespread dissemination, the report lacks the rigor that should accompany peer review, raising concerns about its potential influence on clinical practice and health care policy. The report relies on questionable methodology for synthesizing treatment effects, misinterprets null results, engages in spin (distorting results to make them appear more favorable), and demonstrates statistical and methodological flaws that collectively compromise the credibility of its findings. As alternative dissemination platforms become more prevalent and have the potential to provide valuable information, the scientific community must be ready to embrace these reports and consider the consequences of a lack of traditional peer review for data entering public discourse. The scientific and clinical communities must consider this peer review gap and whether alternative mechanisms for critically evaluating self-published research are needed. JOSPT Methods 2026;2(1):1-8. Epub 27 November 2025. doi:10.2519/josptmethods.2025.0003

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel I. Rhon Orthopaedic Surgery