Reporting Facilitator Resources
Reporting scientific research is an essential component of the research and knowledge translation process (KT). Knowledge translation is facilitated when research is reported and communicated with sufficient depth and accuracy for readers to interpret, synthesize, and utilize the study findings.
The NCDDR has developed several Web-based resources to facilitate the production of NIDRR grantee research reports tailored to the search needs of evidence-based systematic reviewers. The following NCDDR Web resources are intended to facilitate the reporting of disability and rehabilitation research.
- Directory of journals and author guidelines in the disability and rehabilitation research field
- Standardized research reporting checklists for specific methods and designs
- Articles on the use and effectiveness of standardized reporting checklists
- Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals (ICMJE)
- Manuscript style manuals
- Research registries
Standardized research reporting checklists for specific methods and designs
Standardized research reporting checklists for specific methods and designs Standardized research reporting checklists have been developed by various, mostly self-appointed, groups of researchers, clinicians and editors, to improve the clarity and completeness of research reporting in the professional and research literature.
Reporting checklists are not binding on anyone, although there are efforts to convince journal editors that they should make adherence to applicable guidelines required for authors. The CONSORT statement has been most successful in this regard, having been adopted by many journals. In addition to CONSORT, there are several reporting checklists provided for use.
The NCDDR has collected numerous reporting checklists to facilitate the production of research reports. Disability and rehabilitation researchers may want to follow these guidelines even if adherence is not required by the journal in which they plan to publish, because a more complete report will be more informative to readers, and will enhance the chances that the report will be included in systematic reviews. Visit the NCDDR KT library, reporting checklists page.
Articles on the use and effectiveness of standardized reporting checklists
The following bibliography consists of articles on the use and effectiveness of CONSORT, MOOSE, QUOROM, and STARD. To learn more about standardized reporting checklists, visit the NCDDR's KT library.
CONSORT
Carnevale, G. J., Anselmi, V., Johnston, M. V., Busichio, K., & Walsh, V. (2006). A natural setting behavior management program for persons with acquired brain injury: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 87(10), 1289-1297.
Available from NARIC: http://tinyurl.com/3xe6wl
Tong, R. K., Ng, M. F., & Li, L. S. (2006). Effectiveness of gait training using an electromechanical gait trainer, with and without functional electric stimulation, in subacute stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 87(10), 1298-1304.
Available from NARIC: http://tinyurl.com/2bgu3e
MOOSE
Kashyap, S., Wells, G. A., & Rosenwaks, Z. (2004). Insulin-sensitizing agents as primary therapy for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Human Reproduction, 19(11), 2474-2483.
Full text availability: http://tinyurl.com/2h5zcc
Singh-Grewal, D., Macdessi, J., & Craig, J. (2005). Circumcision for the prevention of urinary tract infection in boys: A systematic review of randomised trials and observational studies. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 90(8), 853-858.
The publisher of this journal charges a fee. http://tinyurl.com/ys3uzz
QUOROM
Costello, M. F., Chapman, M., & Conway, U. (2006). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on metformin co-administration during gonadotrophin ovulation induction or IVF in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction, 21(6), 1387-1399.
The publisher of this journal charges a fee. http://tinyurl.com/262yk3
Memon, M. A., Cooper, N. J., Memon, B., Memon, M. I., & Abrams, K. R. (2003). Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. British Journal of Surgery, 90(12), 1479-1492.
The publisher of this journal charges a fee. http://tinyurl.com/ysoxve
STARD
Coppus, S., van der Veen, F., Bossuyt, P. M. M, & Mol, B. W. J. (2006). Quality of reporting of test accuracy studies in reproductive medicine: Impact of the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) initiative. Fertility and Sterility, 86(5): 1321-1329.
The publisher of this journal charges a fee. http://tinyurl.com/2fdxgk
Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) created the Uniform Requirements primarily to help authors and editors in their mutual task of creating and distributing accurate, clear, easily accessible reports of biomedical studies.
The initial sections address the ethical principles related to the process of evaluating, improving, and publishing manuscripts in biomedical journals and the relationships between editors and authors, peer-reviewers, and the media. The latter sections address the more technical aspects of preparing and submitting manuscripts. The guidelines for manuscript format are adhered to by more than 500 journals.
The Uniform Requirements can provide many other stakeholders-peer reviewers, publishers, the media, patients and their families, and general readers-with useful insights into the biomedical authoring and editing process.
Full text availability for the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals are available:
http://www.icmje.org/
http://www.icmje.org/icmje.pdf
Manuscript style manuals
Style manuals are used to describe and illustrate the accepted formats and reference styles for reporting research. Typically, scientific journals recommend the use of a specific style manual, in addition to providing specific guidelines for authors. Commonly mentioned style guides include:
- American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Council of Biology Editors (CBE) Scientific Style and Format
- ICMJE - Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals