Abstract
Although current electronic methods of scientific publishing offer increased opportunities for publishing all research studies and describing them in sufficient detail, health research literature still suffers from many shortcomings. These shortcomings seriously undermine the value and utility of the literature and waste scarce resources invested in the research. In recent years there have been several positive steps aimed at improving this situation, such as a strengthening of journals' policies on research publication and the wide requirement to register clinical trials.The EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network is an international initiative set up to advance high quality reporting of health research studies; it promotes good reporting practices including the wider implementation of reporting guidelines. EQUATOR provides free online resources http://www.equator-network.org supported by education and training activities and assists in the development of robust reporting guidelines. This paper outlines EQUATOR's goals and activities and offers suggestions for organizations and individuals involved in health research on how to strengthen research reporting.
Highlights
Publishing is undoubtedly undergoing a revolution that has brought new ways of disseminating research information and a more critical perspective on assessing published information
The EQUATOR website provides an up to date centralized resource for: researchers writing up their studies; for peer reviewers assessing research manuscripts; for editors who wish to implement policies to aid accurate and transparent research reporting in their journals; and for scientists wishing to develop further high quality reporting guidelines http:// www.equator-network.org/
Peer reviewers, journal editors, research institutions and funding agencies to consider how, and by whom, their research articles will be used and to consider whether the final papers meet the needs of these potential users
Summary
Publishing is undoubtedly undergoing a revolution that has brought new ways of disseminating research information and a more critical perspective on assessing published information. Initial studies evaluating the impact of journal support for reporting guidelines indicate beneficial effects on the completeness and transparency of publications [21,22], there is still room for better implementation of and adherence to these guidelines [23,24].
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