Poor reporting seriously affects the integrity of health research literature and critically limits the use and impact of published studies. Publications that lack or selectively present important information are one of the major contributors to the avoidable waste of financial and human investments in medical research.

The EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network is an international programme of work set up to improve the reliability and usability of health research publications. It provides a free online portal with essential resources for researchers, authors, journal editors, peer reviewers and everyone involved in health research and its publication (www.equator-network.org). The EQUATOR team supports the use of these resources through education and training activities and assists in the development, dissemination and implementation of reporting guidelines.

In my talk I will outline key problems identified in the current health research literature, highlight the consequences of inadequate reporting of research and will discuss some possible solutions to improve transparency, usability and impact of research papers, including the use of reporting guidelines and other resources hosted by the EQUATOR Network.