Qualitative research explores complex phenomena encountered
by clinicians, health care providers, policy makers and consumers
in health care. Poorly designed studies and inadequate
reporting can lead to inappropriate application of qualitative
research in decision-making, health care, health policy and
future research.
Formal reporting guidelines have been developed for randomized
controlled trials (CONSORT) [1], diagnostic test
studies (STARD), meta-analysis of RCTs (QUOROM) [2],
observational studies (STROBE) [3] and meta-analyses of
observational studies (MOOSE) [4]. These aim to improve
the quality of reporting these study types and allow readers to
better understand the design, conduct, analysis and findings of
published studies. This process allows users of published
research to be more fuller informed when they critically
appraise studies relevant to each checklist and decide upon
applicability of research findings to their local settings. Empiric
studies have shown that the use of the CONSORT statement