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Diversity and quality in otolaryngology research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 February 2017

Richard Harvey*
Affiliation:
Australian Supplement of The Journal of Laryngology & Otology
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Abstract

Type
Editorial
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2017 

This year starts with a tremendous demonstration of the breadth and quality of Australian research in otolaryngology. A quality effort from a Victorian research group demonstrates the impact of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase 2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, on post-operative tonsillectomy outcomes.Reference Ng, Diamantaras, Priestley, Redman, De Silva and Mahanta 1 It is a great effort to produce a Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (‘CONSORT’; http://www.consort-statement.org/) compliant trial. This reporting statement represents an evidence-based, minimum set of recommendations for reporting randomised trials. It offers a standard way for authors to prepare reports of trial findings, facilitating their complete and transparent reporting, and aiding their critical appraisal and interpretation.

Such statements are invaluable as they provide an easy template or checklist for what is expected in scientific literature. There was a terrific effort from Adelaide researchers to show compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (‘PRISMA’; http://www.prisma-statement.org/) as a template for their systematic review on hyaluronic acid sinus dressings.Reference Fong, Garcia, Woods and Ooi 2 These structured reviews have a methodology to them to avoid author bias; in addition, they contrast with the more narrative reviews such as that on temporomandibular joint disorders, which are valuable, but are very much a clinician perspective.Reference Stepan, Shaw and Oue 3 Another resource for systematic reviews is the Cochrane Handbook (http://training.cochrane.org/handbook).

Although many of us may never produce a full systematic review or undertake a true randomised trial, these documents provide a learning platform for new manuscript writers. For lower levels of evidence, there exists a series of other guides: Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (‘MOOSE’; http://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/), Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (‘STARD’; http://www.stard-statement.org), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (‘STROBE’; http://www.strobe-statement.org) (used in observational research, such as cohort, case–control and cross-sectional studies), and Consensus-based Clinical Case Reporting Guideline Development (‘CARE’; http://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/care/). The latter guidelines are intended to ensure ‘completeness, transparency and data analysis in case reports and data from the point of care’.

Any prospective author should consult these documents to ensure their submission meets the reporting standards. Some journals even request a completed Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines checklist to ensure that appropriate due diligence has been undertaken by authors. This is a standard that we should all strive for.

The range of research in this issue, from acute mastoiditis,Reference Carmel, Curotta and Cheng 4 to training,Reference Piromchai, Ioannou, Wijewickrema, Kasemsiri, Lodge and Kennedy 5 voiceReference Chandran, Woods, Ullah, Ooi and Athanasiadis 6 and factors impacting the quality of neck dissections,Reference Lim, Evans, George, de Alwis, Stimpson and Merriel 7 underpins the research efforts in the Australian otolaryngology community. Improving study design and reporting will only further push our efforts onto the global stage. Please consider these reporting documents for your next submission. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology has a high acceptance rate for Australian research that is original, well designed and by authors willing to incorporate their peers' review.

References

1 Ng, T, Diamantaras, D, Priestley, J, Redman, J, De Silva, N, Mahanta, V. Is celecoxib a useful adjunct in the treatment of post-tonsillectomy pain in the adult population? A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S818 Google Scholar
2 Fong, E, Garcia, M, Woods, C, Ooi, E. Hyaluronic acid for post sinus surgery care: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S5261 Google Scholar
3 Stepan, L, Shaw, CL, Oue, S. Temporomandibular disorder in otolaryngology: systematic review. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S4551 Google Scholar
4 Carmel, E, Curotta, JH, Cheng, AT. Prognostic effect of pre- and post-admission antibiotic treatment in paediatric acute mastoiditis. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S27 Google Scholar
5 Piromchai, P, Ioannou, I, Wijewickrema, S, Kasemsiri, P, Lodge, J, Kennedy, G et al. Effects of anatomical variation on trainee performance in a virtual reality temporal bone surgery simulator. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S1925 Google Scholar
6 Chandran, D, Woods, C, Ullah, S, Ooi, E, Athanasiadis, T. A comparative study of voice outcomes and complication rates in patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty performed under local versus general anaesthesia: an Adelaide voice specialist's experience. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S3136 Google Scholar
7 Lim, RS, Evans, L, George, AP, de Alwis, N, Stimpson, P, Merriel, S et al. Do demographics and tumour-related factors affect nodal yield at neck dissection? A retrospective cohort study. J Laryngol Otol 2017;131(suppl 1):S2630 Google Scholar