Research protocol registration improves the transparency of research as well as allows completeness of information from the publications that ensue. Being essential for interventional trials, there has been a move towards registration of observational studies as well.
I am planning to start a research registry, focussing essentially on observational studies in health care research.
What would be the expectations of a researcher/scholar from such a registry?
What qualities and attributes should I aim for and what are the potential problems that I am likely to encounter?
I think the important things are:
Infrastructure - key is having a good piece of software/program to build the registry in; not only does it have to be user-friendly for those registering their trials, but it also needs to be user-friendly for those searching for research within the registry, and for those maintaining the registry. Therefore, both the front and backend of the registry need to consider how information is inputed, searched, used and combined.
Process - The process (both in terms of the system the registry is in and manpower, in terms of the people involved) for reviewing entries (ideally researchers add their own details in some form of online form and this is then reviewed internally by the registry team before being assigned a number and going live) needs to be well thought out and clearly stated.
Information Required: Aside from this you need to consider what information you will request from people and how much of it is compulsory (the minimum required to receive a registration number) and how much is voluntary or extra.
The website itself, should have a number of clear and easy to use documents (guidelines, terms of reference, etc.) for those wishing to use the registry, about how it is funded, what it's processes are, what the sites legal restrictions are, etc.
I think the biggest problem aside from resourcing, is probably going to be uptake. You will needto consider what motivates people to register their research on registry sites and use this to market your site to your target audience.
Best of luck!
Thank you Emma for such a detailed response.. This is very useful and i'll certainly keep these points in mind..
regards, raza
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Education
- Higher Education
- Academic Writing