What makes a high quality clinical research paper?
The quality of a research paper depends primarily on the quality of the research study it reports. However, there is also much that authors can do to maximise the clarity and usefulness of their papers. Journals' instructions for authors often focus on the format, style, and length of articles but do not always emphasise the need to clearly explain the work's science and ethics: so this review reminds researchers that transparency is important too. The research question should be stated clearly, along with an explanation of where it came from and why it is important. The study methods must be reported fully and, where appropriate, in line with an evidence based reporting guideline such as the CONSORT statement for randomised controlled trials. If the study was a trial the paper should state where and when the study was registered and state its registration identifier. Finally, any relevant conflicts of interest should be declared.
BMJ, London, UK. tgroves@bmj.com
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D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D032984:Ethics, Research; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D018156:Journalism, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011643:Publishing / Q000592:standards*; D014956:Writing / Q000592:standards*