Concerns about the deficiencies of health research
publications have led to the creation of the EQUATOR
Network. The Network will act as an 'umbrella' organisation,
bringing together developers of reporting guidelines, medical
journal editors and peer reviewers, research funding bodies
and other collaborators with mutual interest in 'improving
the quality of research publications and of research itself.
During the last ten years a considerable number of guidelines
have been developed for reporting health research. They specify
the minimum information necessary for a clear account of research
methodology and findings. Examples include the CONSORT
Statement (randomised controlled trials), QUOROM, recently
renamed PRISMA (systematic reviews of randomised trials),
STARD (diagnostic
accuracy studies), STROBE
(observational studies), and REMARK
(tumour marker prognostic studies).
Use of reporting guidelines can lead to improved accuracy
and transparency of publications; it facilitates appraisal
for research quality and relevance, and can improve the efficiency
of literature searches and ability to find requested information.
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News
EQUATOR
is looking for an experienced research fellow. See more information
below, together with other news from EQUATOR.....
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For the next five years, the EQUATOR
Network has two primary objectives:
- Provide resources enabling the improvement of health research
reporting;
- Monitor progress in the improvement of health research
reporting.
Key deliverables will include:
- Web-based Resource Centre with easy access to reporting
guidelines and other relevant information;
- Support for the development of robust reporting guidelines;
- Training courses for authors, editors and peer reviewers,
facilitating transparent and accurate reporting and use
of reporting guidelines;
- Annual assessment of how journals implement reporting
guidelines;
- Annual audit of reporting quality across the health research
literature.
The project is being led by Professor Doug Altman, one of
the key movers of the CONSORT initiative. Its international
steering group includes leading experts in the field of health
research methodology, reporting and editorial work:
- Prof Doug Altman, Director, Centre for Statistics in Medicine,
Oxford, UK
- Dr John Hoey, Advisor to the Principal on Public Health,
Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- Dr David Moher, Director, Chalmers Research Group, Ottawa,
Canada
- Dr Ken Schulz, Vice president, Quantitative Sciences,
Family Health International, USA
For more information please contact Dr
Iveta Simera, EQUATOR Network Project Manager or visit
the EQUATOR
Network website.
News
EQUATOR is recruiting
We are looking for an experienced Research Fellow with a
keen interest in health research methodology and reporting
who will significantly contribute to the development of the
EQUATOR research and education programme.
The successful candidate will be leading on
a) developing and delivering an education and training programme
b) monitoring the quality of health research reporting and
implementation of reporting guidelines
and participating in a programme of related research projects
An ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge of health
research methodology supported by a substantial research experience;
good knowledge of issues related to health research quality
and its assessment; interest in health research reporting
and publication process; and considerable teaching experience.
This exciting and challenging new opportunity might appeal
to a person with broad professional interests. Working in
a small team also requires flexibility and willingness to
contribute to all aspect of the project development.
The appointment will be for two years in the first instance
with a potential for further professional growth. Salary will
be in the range £29,091 - £38,352 per annum depending
on qualifications and experience (NHS Agenda for Change Band
7). The post will be based at the Centre for Statistics in
Medicine in Oxford, UK and is available immediately.
For more details please visit our
website or Oxford
Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust. Please apply online via
www.oxfordradcliffejobs.nhs.uk,
reference 321-D-NW-108.
Good Publication Practice for Pharmaceutical Companies guidelines
update – call for collaborators
Good Publication Practice Guidelines (GPP) were first published
in 2003. They are designed for use by pharmaceutical companies,
other commercial organizations that sponsor clinical trials,
and any companies or individuals who work on industry-sponsored
publications (e.g., freelance writers, contract research organizations,
and communications companies). There have been many new developments
in medical research and reporting, such as clinical trial
registration and results disclosure and some feel that time
is ripe for the GPP update. Chris Graf, who is co-ordinating
this effort, recently asked EQUATOR to help to seek potential
collaborators. Please click here
to read more information about this project and contact Chris.
Upcoming conferences and seminars of interest
The EQUATOR website
hosts information about upcoming conferences, workshops, and
courses that closely relate to our programme. You can always
check here
for the latest
Ensuring Research Integrity in Biomedical Publication,
ALPSP seminar
Date: 22 October 2008
Location: London, UK
Click here
for more information.
5th Biennial ORI Research Conference on Research
Integrity
Date: 15-17 May 2009
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Click here
for more information.
Sixth International Congress on Peer Review and Biomedical
Publication
Date: 10-12 September 2009
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Click here
for more information.
Integrity in Science Communication, EASE conference
Date: 16-19 September 2009
Location: Pisa, Italy
Click here
for more information.
Recently published articles of interest
Three research papers highlighting the problem of publication
bias and selective reporting:
- Ramsey S, Scoggins J. Commentary: practicing on
the tip of an information iceberg? Evidence of underpublication
of registered clinical trials in oncology. Oncologist
2008 Sep;13(9):925-9. PM:18794216
- Lee K, Bacchetti P, Sim I. Publication of Clinical
Trials Supporting Successful New Drug Applications: A Literature
Analysis. PLoS Med 2008 Sep 23;5(9):e191. PM:18816163
- Dwan K, Altman DG, Arnaiz JA, Bloom J, Chan AW, Cronin
E, et al. Systematic review of the empirical evidence
of study publication bias and outcome reporting bias.
PLoS ONE 2008;3(8):e3081. PM:18769481
Evaluation of the impact of STARD Statement –
guideline for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies,
accompanied by an editorial by Patrick Bossuyt. In his editorial,
Prof Bossuyt highlights many issues relevant not only to the
STARD but also to other reporting guidelines and reporting
in general:
Bossuyt PM. STARD statement: still room for improvement
in the reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies.
Radiology 2008 Sep;248(3):713-4. PM:18710968
Wilczynski NL. Quality of reporting of diagnostic
accuracy studies: no change since STARD statement publication--before-and-after
study. Radiology 2008 Sep;248(3):817-23. PM:18710977
Two interesting editorials:
Two more interesting editorials:
- Needleman I, Moher D, Altman DG, Schulz KF, Moles DR,
Worthington H. Improving the clarity and transparency
of reporting health research: a shared obligation and responsibility.
Journal of Dentistry Research, 2008, 87(10), pp894-895
- von Elm E, Altman DG. Reporting guidelines: looking
back from the future. Chest, 2008, 134(4), pp682-684
Two short videos about the power of checklists:
Page last updated: October 2008 |
