It is part of the larger EQUATOR Network initiative to enhance the transparency and accuracy of reporting in research.
[1] Considered an evolving document,[2] the CONSORT Statement is subject to periodic changes as new evidence emerges; the most recent update was published in March 2010.
In 1993, 30 experts—medical journal editors, clinical trialists, epidemiologists, and methodologists—met in Ottawa, Canada to discuss ways of improving the reporting of randomized trials.
[15] At the suggestion of Dr. Drummond Rennie, from JAMA,[16] in 1995 representatives from both these groups met in Chicago, USA, with the aim of merging the best of the SORT and Asilomar proposals into a single, coherent evidence-based recommendation.
[18] Since the revision in 2001, the evidence base to inform CONSORT has grown considerably; empirical data highlighting new concerns regarding the reporting of randomized trials.
Users of the guideline are strongly recommended to refer to the most up-to-date version while writing or interpreting reports of clinical trials.
[19] A 2006 systematic review suggest that use of the CONSORT checklist is associated with improved reporting of randomized trials.