Table 1 Suggestions for discussing limitations of studies more transparently
From: Discussing study limitations in reports of biomedical studies- the need for more transparency
Section of paper | Suggestions |
|---|---|
Abstract | At the end of the results section add one sentence highlighting the one or two main limitations of the study |
Discussion | Report on all limitations that may have affected the quality of the evidence being presented, including aspects of study design and implementation. |
| Â | Give the authors' view on how the limitations impact on the quality of the evidence and discuss the direction and magnitude of bias |
| Â | Do not restrict the discussion of limitations to aspects of internal validity and discuss where the limits of applicability of the results may lie |
| Â | Discuss the strengths of the study that may counterbalance or outweigh (some of) the limitations. |
| Â | Provide suggestions for future research specifically overcoming the limitations of the current study. |