What is CONSORT? - how to publish a research project

Many research projects are inadequately reported in the scientific and professional literature, so an increasing number of leading journals are insisting on an agreed format for publications. This has been outlined recently in a check list known as the CONSORT Statement (Consolidation of Standards for Reporting Trials). This article explains the foundation on which this Statement was developed and how it will improve not only the reporting of research findings but also the conduct of that research.