Reporting of observational studies

doi:10.1136/bmj.39351.581366.BE

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Peter M Rothwell, professor of clinical neurology,
Meena Bhatia, research fellow

Stroke Prevention Research Unit, University Department of Clinical Neurology, Oxford OX2 6HA

peter.rothwell{at}clneuro.ox.ac.uk

New recommendations should help researchers, journal editors, and readers

In this week's BMJ, von Elm and colleagues report the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) statement, which recommends what should be included in an accurate and complete report of an analytical observational study.1

Observational epidemiology has made an immense contribution to our understanding of the causes and treatment of disease. Numerous causal associations between risks factors and disease have been identified (see box in version on bmj.com). Most of these observations have led to substantial improvements in public health by causing changes in policy or by leading to the development of effective treatments.