PROBE 2023 guidelines for reporting observational studies in endodontics: Explanation and elaboration

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Research
• Observational Studies

Background:

• Observational studies are vital for assessing disease prevalence and intervention outcomes.
• No specific reporting guidelines existed for endodontic observational studies.
• The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications (CLIP) principles are widely used.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Preferred Reporting items for OBservational studies in Endodontics (PROBE) 2023 guidelines.
• To provide a comprehensive guide for authors on utilizing the PROBE 2023 checklist.
• To enhance the quality and consistency of reporting in endodontic observational research.

Main Methods:

• Development of the PROBE 2023 guidelines by the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology (PRIDE) team.
• Integration and adaptation of the STROBE checklist and CLIP principles.
• Adherence to the Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines.

Main Results:

• The PROBE 2023 guidelines have been developed exclusively for endodontic observational studies.
• The guidelines offer detailed explanations and examples for each checklist item.
• Advice is provided for authors to effectively address checklist items in manuscripts.

Conclusions:

• The PROBE 2023 guidelines aim to standardize reporting in endodontic research.
• Authors are encouraged to use the PROBE 2023 checklist for improved manuscript preparation.
• The PROBE 2023 checklist is freely available for download.