1. What are reporting guidelines The EQUATOR Network workshop
Iveta Simera
The EQUATOR Network workshop
7 September 2013, Chicago, USA I

2. Reporting guidelines (RGs)
Focus on scientific content of the article
Definition:
Specify a minimum set of items required for a clear and transparent account of what was done and what was found in a research study, reflecting in particular issues that might introduce bias into the research
Form: structured advice, often as a checklist (perhaps also a flow diagram)
Most internationally accepted RGs
Based on evidence
Consensus of relevant stakeholders (multidisciplinary group)
Moher et al. PLoS Med 2010

3. “Hierarchy” of reporting guidelines
Recommendations RGs
Broad GENERIC
Narrow SPECIFIC

4. “Hierarchy” of reporting guidelines
Recommendations RGs Frequency of RGs
Broad GENERIC Few RGs
Narrow SPECIFIC Many RGs

5. Different focus of RG (1)
STUDY DESIGN / METHODOLOGY
Generally applicable, key methodology features, no details specific to diseases, etc.
Generic framework for reporting key aspects of:
Main study designs / types (generic guidelines)
More specialised designs
Specific methods, evaluations, analyses
Core RG
(“Must”)
Generally applicable, key methodology features, no details specific to diseases, etc.
Generic framework for reporting key aspects of:
Main study designs / types (generic guidelines)
Framework for a complete research paper (examples: CONSORT, STARD, STROBE)
Framework for only a part of research study / paper (examples: CONSORT for abstracts)
More specialised designs
Often extending the generic guidelines
Examples: CONSORT for cluster trials
Specific methods, evaluations, analyses
Generic statistical guidelines
Cost-effectiveness analysis
Quality of life assessment

6. Examples: main study design

7. Examples: specialised design

8. Examples: methods

9. Different focus of RG (2)
SPECIFIC DISCIPLINE / CLINICAL AREA
Different ‘degree’ of specificity
May or may not address general methodology items
May focus on a complete research study / paper or only on a part
Should be used with relevant generic methodology guidelines as they often focus only on content specifics
Key focus is on discipline / clinical area specific issues
Different ‘degree’ of specificity
May or may not address general methodology items
May focus on a complete research study / paper or only on a part
Examples
RCTs in leukaemia; longitudinal studies in rheumatology
Economic evaluations in obstetrics

10. Examples

11. Examples

12. EQUATOR website

13. Library for health research reporting

14. Reporting guidelines database
Browse – 3 options
Search – free text
RG catalogue

15. For more visit: www.equator-network.org