Table 1

Benefits of on line protocol publication with BioMed Central

Peer reviewed publication on line within 6-7 weeks of submission
Open peer review and post-publication review by readers
Immediate worldwide dissemination
Citation in BioMed Central journal, with citation tracking and hit rates
Indexed in PubMed and permanently archived in PubMed Central
Authors retain copyright
Links through to trial recruitment
Links through to metaRegister of Controlled Trials
Targeted e mailings to all those likely to be interested in the trial
Opportunities for rapid publication of interim and full results of the trial, with links back to protocol
Unlimited space for deposition of trial data