Why null results do not mean no results: negative findings have implications for policy, practice, and research

Excerpt

Often times when translational scientists develop hypothesis for their research but their findings are not as expected, they consider the work to be “unpublishable”, “a waste of time”, and/or “useless”. However, when scientists have null findings, the information they gather can inform what should be done differently or more effectively in future research. The findings also inform the policy and practice communities about the efficacy of evidence-based interventions and programs designed to enhance health care delivery and patient outcomes. That is why it is so imperative to share these “null” findings with other investigators and professionals. This communication provides the grounding for knowledge about what not to repeat in order for the science to advance by understanding what has been found lacking in well-controlled trials. Null findings are also important in informing and advancing future directions in policy and practice. …