We’re delighted to highlight the many new entries in the Top 10 most-read BMJ Open papers in May 2026.

Since our last Top 10 blog post, we have seen nine new entries to the most-read list, with Rafi et al. continuing to hold the number one position.

We would first like to highlight the findings of the Original Research articles published by Tiller et al. (#2), Tortosa et al. (#5), Smale et al. (#7), Ryan et al. (#8), and Holthuis et al. (#10).

At number two, Tiller et al. audited the accuracy, referencing, and readability of responses generated by five popular artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots when answering health and medical queries across misinformation-prone fields: cancer, vaccines, stem cells, nutrition, and athletic performance. From 250 responses, the authors found considerable variation in performance between platforms, alongside incomplete or inaccurate referencing and inconsistent readability. These findings highlight ongoing concerns about the potential for medical misinformation and the need for careful oversight when using generative AI for health information.

At number five, Tortosa et al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating prognostic factors associated with mortality among patients with New World hantavirus infection. From the 25 studies included, the authors identified a range of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological factors associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with New World hantavirus infection.

At number seven, a Delphi study by Smale et al., involving physicians and pharmacists from Dutch hospitals, identified and prioritised the most appropriate (de)prescribing and sustainable prescribing interventions to advance environmentally sustainable healthcare. The results from this study form the foundation for the Greening Healthcare Together programme, which aims to implement (de)prescribing interventions across Dutch hospitals. 

Ryan et al. ranked at number eight with a multicentre randomised controlled trial conducted in Australia, evaluating the effectiveness of wipes formulated with emollient and barrier properties for the prevention of pressure injuries in older adults. The authors found that twice-daily application of the wipes reduced the incidence of pressure injuries  and  extended time to first pressure injury when compared with the control group, who received usual care.

Rounding out the Original Research papers in the Top 10 list is Holthuis et al. (#10), who investigated how patients with sarcoma navigated the route to diagnosis in an international cohort study. Analysing data from 572 patients from the Netherlands, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the authors found that most patients first presented to a general practitioner, with unexplained pain and swelling among the most commonly reported symptoms.

In addition, a Communication article by Osório et al. can be found at number six, presenting their Open Pharma Vision for company-sponsored biomedical research publications. The authors outline a set of principles intended to provide a framework for collective action among stakeholders involved in the development and dissemination of peer-reviewed company-sponsored research publications.

We’re also looking forward to the results of the Protocols that made it into the Top 10 most-read list in May: Chadwick et al. (#3), Marquardt et al. (#4), and Bénard et al. (#9).

We are delighted to see such a diverse range of article topics and study designs capturing our readers’ interest, reflecting enthusiasm not only for new findings but also for insight into the future directions of health research. If you’d like to share your research with us, you can find submission details here.