Work through the reporting checklist.

Research Reporting Guidelines: Which Checklist Do You Need?

Reporting guidelines are structured frameworks that define the minimum information needed for a clear, transparent, and complete report of a research study. Using the correct reporting guideline is not optional -- it is required by most biomedical journals and is essential for scientific reproducibility.

The EQUATOR Network (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) maintains a comprehensive database of over 400 reporting guidelines. However, the five most commonly required guidelines in medical research are CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA, CARE, and ARRIVE.

CONSORT: For Randomized Controlled Trials

The CONSORT statement (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) was first published in 1996 and has been updated several times, most recently in 2010. It consists of a 25-item checklist and a flow diagram. CONSORT is the most widely adopted reporting guideline in medicine, endorsed by over 600 journals and editorial groups.

Key CONSORT items that researchers commonly miss include: complete description of the randomization process (not just saying "patients were randomized"), allocation concealment mechanism, blinding details (who was blinded and how it was maintained), and the flow diagram showing participant progression through the trial.

CONSORT extensions exist for specific trial types: cluster randomized trials, non-inferiority trials, pragmatic trials, pilot studies, and more. If your trial design is specialized, check whether a CONSORT extension applies.

STROBE: For Observational Studies

STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) covers three types of observational studies: cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional. Published in 2007, it contains 22 items, some with sub-items specific to each study design.

Frequently overlooked STROBE items include: clear description of eligibility criteria and how participants were selected, transparent handling of missing data, discussion of bias (not just limitations), and reporting of both unadjusted and adjusted estimates.

PRISMA: For Systematic Reviews

PRISMA 2020 updated the original 2009 statement significantly. The 2020 version includes 27 items and an updated flow diagram. Key changes include: expanded guidance on describing synthesis methods, new items on certainty assessment (GRADE), and requirements for reporting on automation tools used in the review process.

Many journals will desk-reject a systematic review that does not include a PRISMA flow diagram or does not address PRISMA items. Registration on PROSPERO is also increasingly required.

CARE: For Case Reports

The CARE guidelines provide a framework for reporting case reports, which are often considered less rigorous than other study types. CARE helps ensure that case reports contain all the information needed for readers to evaluate the clinical significance and potential applications of the case.

Notable CARE requirements include: a timeline of events, diagnostic reasoning (not just the final diagnosis), and a section for the patient perspective when appropriate.

ARRIVE: For Animal Studies

ARRIVE 2.0 (published 2020) is designed to improve the reporting of animal research, which has historically been plagued by poor reporting quality and low reproducibility. The updated version prioritizes items into "Essential 10" (must be included) and "Recommended Set" (should be included when relevant).

Key ARRIVE items include: detailed description of sample size calculation (often missing in animal studies), randomization and blinding procedures, ethical approval details, and reporting of all outcomes including null results.

Why Reporting Guidelines Matter

Studies have consistently shown that adherence to reporting guidelines improves the completeness and transparency of published research. Incomplete reporting makes it difficult for other researchers to assess the validity of findings, replicate studies, or include them in systematic reviews.

From a practical standpoint, submitting a completed reporting checklist with your manuscript can speed up the editorial process and reduce the number of revision rounds. Many reviewers use these checklists to evaluate manuscripts, so addressing each item proactively strengthens your submission.

How to Use Reporting Checklists

1. Start early. Consult the relevant guideline during study design, not just when writing up. Many items relate to study planning and conduct, not just reporting.
2. Be specific about page numbers. When submitting the checklist, include the manuscript page number where each item is addressed. This helps editors and reviewers verify compliance.
3. Address every item. If an item does not apply to your study, state "Not applicable" and explain why. Do not leave items blank.
4. Check for extensions. Many guidelines have extensions for specific study designs or interventions. Use the most specific version available.
5. Update after revisions. If you revise your manuscript, update the page numbers in your checklist accordingly.