At our news publications (The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times and WAtoday), we will focus on medical research that is peer-reviewed and published in reputable journals.
We require full copies of the research before we report on it, not just press releases or summaries.
Research needs to be supported.,Credit: Karleen Minney
When we report ongoing research or papers presented at conferences we will make clear it has not yet been peer reviewed.
We will examine and disclose conflicts of interest, where relevant.
We will not report on push polls, tiny survey samples or work run and promoted by the commercial interest which stands to gain from the findings.
We will treat research based on animal studies with caution, preferring to focus on human trials, and making clear that the results may not translate to human trials.
We will examine how benefits and harms are discussed (in relative or absolute terms).
We will seek independent comment from others with expertise in the field, and include valid, informed criticisms of the research or treatment.
We will avoid language such as ‘‘safe’’, ‘‘guaranteed’’ or ‘‘miraculous’’, knowing that nothing can be entirely safe, no results are guaranteed and medicine is not a miracle.
Further reading
Tips on reporting science from the Australian Science Media Centre.
Tips for analysing studies, medical evidence and health care claims from the Health News Review.