Guidance for reporting qualitative manuscripts

Key guidelines for reporting qualitative studies include COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies), RATS (Qualitative Research Review Guidelines) and RATS/PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

Abstract

Reporting guidelines have proved useful in improving the communication of research methods and findings. Addiction requires that authors report randomized controlled trials using the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines 1. Authors wishing to communicate results from other methodological approaches (cohort, case–control, cross-sectional, non-randomized evaluations, systematic reviews and meta-analyses) are also asked to consult appropriate guidelines such as STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) 2, TREND (Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Non-randomized Designs) 3 and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 4. Key guidelines for reporting qualitative studies include COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies) 5, RATS (Qualitative Research Review Guidelines) 6 and CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) 7. We have examined these and decided that we need to develop a set of guidelines specifically for the kind of research we seek to publish in Addiction. The guidance in Table 1 is intended to provide support to Addiction authors by setting out some general expectations of a qualitative manuscript. The broad aims are to ensure a degree of consistency with the Journal's other manuscript types in terms of reporting standards; to help qualitative researchers submitting to the Journal by prompting them to consider carefully all aspects of their study design and analysis when preparing their submissions; and to assist readers and reviewers in evaluating the qualitative papers we publish. Authors are encouraged to interpret particular items within our guidelines flexibly, depending on their methods and approach, and to consult other published guidelines for qualitative research as appropriate. As always, we are keen to receive any comments or feedback. Joanne Neale: None. Robert West has received travel funds and hospitality from, and undertaken research and consultancy for, pharmaceutical companies that manufacture or research products aimed at helping smokers to stop. These products include nicotine replacement therapies and Zyban (bupropion). This has led to payments to him personally and to his institution. He undertakes lectures and training in smoking cessation methods which have led to payments to him personally and to his institution. He has received research grants from medical charities and government departments.