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| Year : 2014 | Volume
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| Issue : 3 | Page : 278 |
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| Improving by STAR network |
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SM Balaji
Executive Editor, Indian Journal of Dental Research, Secretary General, ISDR/IADR-India Division, Director, Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Click here for correspondence address and email
| Date of Web Publication | 7-Aug-2014 |
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How to cite this article:
Balaji S M. Improving by STAR network. Indian J Dent Res 2014;25:278 |
With the Dental and Medical Council of India's stress on publication as one of prerequisite for academic promotions, the quantity of the manuscripts from the fraternity is on the raise. Importance of such scientific publications has been largely underestimated by the medical fraternity. [1] One should understand that a poorly presented manuscript could also trigger a miscommunication. [2] The results of the manuscript in discussion should be verifiable and repeatable. A poorly communicated research will cause more damage than a bad research manuscript. Hence, it is always advisable to use the standard guidelines such as CONSORT, STARD, PRISMA, and ARRIVE, while preparing manuscripts. [2] Currently, it is sad to note that many research manuscripts lack the use of these guidelines and more sadly, most of the researchers are not aware of the benefits of using these guidelines. If properly employed, these guidelines would serve to reduce wastage in resources and time.
A typical research should at least answer several "W" questions. In brief - Why was it done, What was done, What was shown and What they mean with respect to current research. [3] Unfortunately, several research papers continue to deviate from these lines and get carried away by fancy technologies and statistical terms. In my opinion, unless the research paper answers these questions, the paper does not add much to the already existing knowledge. The findings have to be substantiated with the help of the statistics by proven methods rather than relying on the statistics to be explanatory. Unless these steps are done, a research cannot be repeated in total and verified or even updated. One should remember that every research would be made as a basis for future research. Hence, it is our duty to give good work for others. At the same time, existing situation is worrisome. Five years back, a manuscript reported that a very significant number of research reports lacked details that made them incomplete, unusable and rendering the investments on these research wastes. [4]
Indian biomedical scientists are now in phase of evolving. With more investment in science and research, it is high time that we adapt to international standards to minimize waste in research. The Indian journals, editors and all stakeholders should come together to evolve policies to perform better research. Inclusion of advanced research methodology in curriculum would be the best way to begin this change. I suppose the STAR (Students Training and Research) network's program of our HO International Association of Dental Research would be a harbinger in this effect.
 References | |  |
| 1. | Satyanarayana K, Sharma A. Biomedical journals in India: Some critical concerns. Indian J Med Res 2010;132:119-22. 
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| 2. | Glasziou P, Altman DG, Bossuyt P, Boutron I, Clarke M, Julious S, et al. Reducing waste from incomplete or unusable reports of biomedical research. Lancet 2014;383:267-76.
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| 3. | Bradford Hill A. Reasons for writing. Br Med J 1965;2:870.
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| 4. | Chalmers I, Glasziou P. Avoidable waste in the production and reporting of research evidence. Lancet 2009;374:86-9.
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Correspondence Address:
S M Balaji
Executive Editor, Indian Journal of Dental Research, Secretary General, ISDR/IADR-India Division, Director, Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0970-9290.138277
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