SPIRIT 2013 clinical trial protocol guidelines issued

Noting that existing guidelines for protocols vary in their scope and recommendation, seldom describe development, and rarely cite stakeholder involvement or evidence to support their recommendations, An-Wen Chan, M.D., D.Phil., of the University of Toronto, and colleagues developed a 33-item SPIRIT checklist to serve as a guideline for the minimum content of a clinical trial protocol. The authors collaborated with 115 key stakeholders, including trial investigators; health care professionals; and representatives from research ethics, industry, and regulatory agencies.

The authors report that the checklist applies to protocols for all clinical trials, with a focus on content, and recommends a full description of the planned trial. The SPIRIT recommendations aim to facilitate drafting of protocols by offering a standard for content. The transparency and completeness of trial protocols would be enhanced by adherence to SPIRIT, benefiting investigators, trial participants, funders, ethics committees, and other relevant parties.

"An extensive range of stakeholders could benefit from widespread use of the SPIRIT 2013 statement and its explanatory paper. Pilot-testing and informal feedback have shown that it is particularly valuable for trial investigators when they draft their protocols," the authors write. "It can also serve as a training tool for new investigators, peer reviewers, and research ethics committee or institutional review board members."

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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Journal reference: Annals of Internal Medicine

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