How to write research papers that can be trusted and used

Reporting statistical methods and analyses

Learning outcomes:

• Report statistical methods and analyses clearly
• Follow the Statistical Analyses and Methods in the Published Literature (SAMPL) guidelines on reporting statistics
• Better understand journal resources and policies on statistical methods
• Learn from examples of good reporting.

The results: reporting all findings succinctly

Learning outcomes:

• Why the results section is less important than you think
• How to report study results accurately and fully
• Pitfalls of reporting results on associations and risks
• How to use reporting guidelines for the results of different study types
• Using tables and figures
• Using supplemental files
• Options for data sharing.

Scientific transparency: the pitfalls of selective reporting

Learning outcomes:

• Why selective reporting of research is wasteful and unethical
• How research waste is bad for health
• Why clinical trial registration is so important
• How to make research reproducible
• What we can all do to make research more transparent: research funders and governments; ethics committees; drug, devices, and diagnostics industries; journals; authors.

The discussion: using structure and balance

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the purpose of the discussion section
• Understand the elements of a structured discussion
• Appreciate the need for a balanced, self critical discussion
• Discuss the results of “negative studies” and observational studies
• Explain what was known, and what the study’s results add
• Use evidence based, effective writing to interpret the results and recommend next steps

Optimising the abstract and title

Learning outcomes:

• Why abstracts of research papers must be accurate and clear
• How to use international, evidence based guidelines on preparing abstracts for different study designs
• How to report the PICO elements of a study in the abstract
• How to write an informative, effective title for a research paper.

Quick refresher: The introduction: presenting the research question The methods: matching study designs to research questions Ethics aspects of study methods