Writing a research article that is "fit for purpose": EQUATOR network and reporting guidelines

Clinical practice and public health policy decisions depend on high-quality information about research findings. However, growing evidence shows widespread deficiencies in the reporting of health research studies. Problematic issues include (but are not limited to) nonreporting or delayed reporting of entire studies (1); omission of crucial information in the description of research methods (2) and interventions (3); selective reporting of only some outcomes (4); presenting data and graphs in confusing and misleading ways (5); and omissions from or misinterpretation of results in abstracts (6). These deficiencies have serious consequences for clinical practice, research, policy making, and ultimately for patients.