A Joint leap into a high-quality simulation research – standardizing the reporting of simulation science
Click here to access the Explanation and Elaboration Document
Click here to access CONSORT/STROBE extensions for RCT/Observational studies
Click here to access SQUIRE-SIM
Reporting guidelines provide a detailed list of items that should be included when reporting the results of research studies. Existing guidelines, such as the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) for randomized trials, and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) for observational studies, have been adapted to specific fields of research with the addition of extensions. Using a consensus process, we developed extensions specific to simulation-based research for both the CONSORT and STROBE Statements and the CONSORT Explanation & Elaboration as well as STROBE Explanation & Elaboration documents. We encourage simulation researchers to use these guidelines when writing and submitting their manuscripts.
Recently, INSPIRE addressed simulation-based quality improvement studies and developed an extension to the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE-SIM) guidelines. In 2021, a consensus process was held as part of the annual INSPIRE meeting. Guided by a steering committee of QI experts, the existing SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines were reviewed and changes proposed. Following this initial work, the extensions were formalized and then pilot tested by two experienced QI researchers. Feedback from this entire process was incorporated into the final guideline extension. While the SQUIRE-SIM guidelines are designed to be used as a checklist when submitting a simulation-based quality improvement article for publication, they also serve as a great guide for planning purposes.
