Reporting Guidelines for Evidence-Based Policymaking (EBPM) and Improving Research Paper Quality

Abstract

  In Japan, since the late 2010s, “evidence-based policy-making（EBPM）” has been introduced into the public sector. In the medical field, the CONSORT statement was developed in 1996 to improve the quality of Randomized Control Trial（RCT）articles. It was the pioneer of reporting guidelines. The third edition of CONSORT 2010, consisting of all 25 items, has been translated into 16 languages and is widely used throughout the world. In addition, over 400 reporting guidelines have been developed for basic study designs such as observational studies（cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective studies）and systematic reviews, as well as expanded versions such as cluster randomization and nonpharmacologic treatment（NPT）. We also introduced the EQUATOR Network, which covers many reporting guidelines that will be useful for people starting to create research plans. Together, these findings suggest the use of reporting guidelines is a feasible option for EBPM.