Improving the reporting and usability of research studies

摘要

Biomedical research and development is a multi-billion dollar industry that is failing to produce high-quality usable reports of research methods and findings. Poor reporting of research is serious, leading to a waste of investment in research, resources, and especially in data from patients participating in research who assume they are making useful contributions to health-care decision-making. Among the factors contributing to poorly reported studies is the lack of training, awareness, and knowledge about existing tools for those more directly involved in the publication process of research - authors, editors, and peer reviewers. Reporting guidelines are tools that have evolved from the early days of the original Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement to over 200 guidelines and a formal network (EQUATOR) of guideline producers and users.