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- The LATITUDES Network provides a much-needed resource for identifying and accessing reliable validity assessment tools, for use during evidence synthesis.<\/li>\n
- LATITUDES is a parallel resource to the EQUATOR Network, with both acting to disseminate best practice in health research.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/p>\nThe LATITUDES Network<\/a> was launched<\/a> in late 2023 as a parallel resource to the EQUATOR Network<\/a>. LATITUDES provides key validity assessment tools as part of a drive to \u201cdisseminate best methods and practice\u201d for health research studies.<\/p>\n
Why LATITUDES?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Although the EQUATOR Network has been instrumental in promoting transparent and accurate reporting guidelines, an equivalent resource for accessing appropriate, validated, and reliable critical appraisal tools<\/a> has been lacking to date. These tools, also known as validity assessment tools<\/a>, assess study quality in terms of:<\/p>\n
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- risk of bias or systematic error<\/li>\n
- applicability of findings to real-world settings<\/li>\n
- reporting quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How will LATITUDES help?<\/strong><\/p>\n
The LATITUDES Library<\/a> lists tools that meet 4 specified inclusion criteria<\/a>, such as being applicable to the wider research community, and assessing multidimensional aspects of validity within a study. Those which fulfil an additional 4 criteria<\/a> are designated LATITUDES key tools. These tools:<\/p>\n
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- focus on risk of bias<\/li>\n
- are developed by multidisciplinary teams<\/li>\n
- avoid use of summary numerical quality scores<\/li>\n
- incorporate domain specific or overall assessment of risk of bias.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The LATITUDES Network believes the library will benefit \u201canyone needing to assess the validity of their evidence base as part of an evidence synthesis<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n
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The library will benefit \u201canyone needing to assess the validity of their evidence base as part of an evidence synthesis\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
How to get started?<\/strong><\/p>\n
The LATITUDES Network provides a range of resources that can help researchers get to grips with validity tools \u2014 including guidance on which tool to use<\/a> and training<\/a> resources \u2014 or enable them to register a tool<\/a> for inclusion.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n