Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: A large number of studies have critical deficiencies in health research reporting- this seriously compromises further use of new research findings. Effective dissemination and implementation of research findings are compromised when research is reported badly. Studies have shown that research publications frequently lack or distort crucial information, making the assessment of study validity and reliability difficult1. This is a global problem, including Latin America2.
Objective: To raise reporting standards in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by increasing awareness and implementation of a key collection of reporting guidelines available in Spanish and hosted in the EQUATOR website recently translated into Spanish.
Methods: Using reporting guidelines, checklists that specify minimum information necessary for a complete and clear account of research methodology and findings, can substantially reduce deficiencies in research literature. The EQUATOR Network, recently translated into Spanish, is an international initiative that aims to increase the quality of health research reporting by promoting the use of reporting guidelines. EQUATOR provides online resources for authors, editors, peer reviewers, and guideline developers.
Results: The EQUATOR portal hosts over 100 reporting guidelines, listed by study type, and other resources supporting responsible reporting. A growing number of journals refer their authors to this resource. The website use has been increasing every year but predominantly by the English speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Canada). Making resources available in Spanish should increase understanding of the principles of good research reporting and improve the quality of Spanish scientific publications. EQUATOR supports the use of guidelines through training courses for editors, peer reviewers and researchers. The new partnership will allow development of education activities that address language specific needs. This collaboration should significantly improve dissemination and implementation of reporting guidelines in LAC and positively influence standards of research reporting and more efficient use of published research.
Objective: To raise reporting standards in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by increasing awareness and implementation of a key collection of reporting guidelines available in Spanish and hosted in the EQUATOR website recently translated into Spanish.
Methods: Using reporting guidelines, checklists that specify minimum information necessary for a complete and clear account of research methodology and findings, can substantially reduce deficiencies in research literature. The EQUATOR Network, recently translated into Spanish, is an international initiative that aims to increase the quality of health research reporting by promoting the use of reporting guidelines. EQUATOR provides online resources for authors, editors, peer reviewers, and guideline developers.
Results: The EQUATOR portal hosts over 100 reporting guidelines, listed by study type, and other resources supporting responsible reporting. A growing number of journals refer their authors to this resource. The website use has been increasing every year but predominantly by the English speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Canada). Making resources available in Spanish should increase understanding of the principles of good research reporting and improve the quality of Spanish scientific publications. EQUATOR supports the use of guidelines through training courses for editors, peer reviewers and researchers. The new partnership will allow development of education activities that address language specific needs. This collaboration should significantly improve dissemination and implementation of reporting guidelines in LAC and positively influence standards of research reporting and more efficient use of published research.