The REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data (RECORD) statement

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Epidemiology
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Routinely collected health data (RCD) are increasingly utilized for research purposes.
• Existing reporting guidelines like STROBE do not fully address the nuances of RCD research.
• Gaps in reporting hinder the transparency and reproducibility of studies using RCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected health Data (RECORD) statement.
• To provide a standardized checklist for reporting observational studies that use RCD.
• To enhance the transparency and quality of research involving RCD.

Main Methods:

• The RECORD statement was developed as an extension to the STROBE guidelines.
• It comprises a 13-item checklist covering essential reporting elements across study sections.
• The statement includes explanatory information and examples of good reporting practices.

Main Results:

• The RECORD checklist addresses specific reporting needs for observational studies using RCD.
• It covers key sections including title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion.
• Accompanying resources like a website and message board are available to support implementation.

Conclusions:

• The RECORD statement aims to improve the reporting of studies using RCD.
• Implementation by authors, editors, and reviewers will foster greater research transparency.
• This initiative supports the responsible and effective use of routinely collected health data in research.