CONSORT
Also written as: CONSORT — Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials
An evidence-based reporting guideline providing a minimum set of recommendations for transparent reporting of randomised controlled trials.
Full Definition
CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) is the internationally recognised reporting standard for RCTs, including those conducted in dental research. It consists of a 25-item checklist and a participant flow diagram that together ensure transparent disclosure of study design, randomisation, blinding, participant flow, and statistical analysis. Many dental journals mandate CONSORT checklist submission alongside the manuscript. Editors should verify that the CONSORT flow diagram accounts for all randomised participants, that each checklist item is addressed in the text, and that the correct CONSORT extension (e.g., CONSORT for Harms, CONSORT-PRO for patient-reported outcomes) is applied where relevant. 'CONSORT' is always styled in full caps.
Usage
Usage note: Always render as 'CONSORT' (all caps). Distinguish from SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials), which governs trial protocols rather than final reports. Identify the correct CONSORT extension for the trial type.
In Context
- "A completed CONSORT flow diagram and checklist must be submitted as supplementary files prior to peer review." — Journal submission guidelines
- "The CONSORT flow diagram does not account for the 14 participants who withdrew after randomisation; this must be corrected." — Editorial revision request