Research Integrity in Guidelines and evIDence synthesis (RIGID): a framework for assessing research integrity in...

Area of Science:

• Medical Research Integrity
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Clinical Guideline Development

Background:

• Clinical guidelines require robust evidence for patient care recommendations.
• Compromised research integrity can undermine public trust and scientific credibility.
• Current evidence synthesis lacks standardized methods for assessing research integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Research Integrity in Guidelines and evidence synthesis (RIGID) framework.
• To provide a transparent, six-step approach for assessing study integrity in evidence synthesis.
• To enhance the reliability of clinical guidelines and patient care.

Main Methods:

• The RIGID framework involves a six-step process: Review, Exclude, Assess, Discuss, Establish contact, and Reassess.
• An integrity committee conducts objective assessments and author engagement.
• A checklist accompanies the framework for systematic integrity evaluation.

Main Results:

• The RIGID framework was successfully piloted in an international guideline, leading to the exclusion of 45% of originally identified studies.
• The framework ensures a rigorous evaluation of research integrity before inclusion in evidence synthesis.
• Author engagement was a key component in the reassessment phase.

Conclusions:

• The RIGID framework is an advancement in best practices for guideline development and evidence synthesis.
• It equips developers to navigate research integrity challenges, ensuring patient care and scientific rigor.
• The framework promotes transparency and objectivity in evaluating scientific literature for clinical guidelines.