Development and validation of observational and qualitative study protocol reporting checklists for novice researchers (ObsQual checklist)

Low GK 1 , Subedi S 2 , Omosumwen OF 3 , Jiee SF 4 , Devkota S 5 , Shanmuganathan S 6 Show all authors , Doyle Z 7

Affiliations 

  • 1 Research Directorate, Nepean Hospital, Nepean Blue Mountain Local Health District, Derby St, Kingswood, NSW, 2750, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected]
  • 2 Department of Community Services, Torrens University of Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • 3 Alberta Health Services, Canada
  • 4 Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
  • 5 Royal Preston Hospital, United Kingdom
  • 6 Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Ministry of Health, Malaysia
  • 7 Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, NSW, Australia
Eval Program Plann, 2024 Jul 18;106:102468.
PMID: 39029287 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102468

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Currently, no reporting guidelines exist for observational and qualitative study protocols. In an effort to enhance the quality of research protocols, we introduce two study protocol reporting checklists that we have developed.

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: These checklists include educational components and examples intended to assist novice researchers. Through the analysis of 333 study protocols submitted for ethical review, our checklists have been developed and validated, demonstrating their applicability across various observational and qualitative study designs.

CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT: We provide insights into the systematic implementation of these checklists alongside complementary elements that support their effectiveness. We recommend longitudinal monitoring and evaluation of checklist utilization.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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