PAHO/EQUATOR Guidelines will help make study results fit for publication and practical use

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revealed last week that it is partnering with the EQUATOR Network to improve reporting on research for health in the Americas through the use of guidelines that promote greater accuracy and transparency.

Under an agreement signed this month, the PAHO will translate EQUATOR's guidelines on the reporting of research results and promote their use for the benefit of PAHO member countries in Latin America. The goal of the partnership is to make more research write-ups fit for publication and use in policymaking and clinical practice.

"Complete, accurate, and transparent reporting is an integral part of responsible research conduct," said EQUATOR Network chairman Doug Altman, adding: "Reporting guidelines like the CONSORT Statement help to improve the quality of research reports." The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Statement is an evidence-based, minimum set of recommendations for reporting randomized controlled trials.