Precision Is Key

The BePRECISE (Better Precision-data Reporting of Evidence from Clinical Intervention Studies and Epidemiology) checklist represents a significant advancement in the standardization of reporting for precision medicine research, particularly in cardiometabolic diseases (1). Developed by a consortium of 23 experts through a rigorous consensus process, the checklist aims to address the inconsistencies and gaps in the current literature. Moreover, it will create a framework for reporting research with the clarity and thoroughness necessary for effective clinical translation.

The BePRECISE checklist consists of 23 essential items categorized into five sections corresponding with standard scientific publication formats. These sections include equity, patient and public involvement, and engagement, which are emphasized as overarching themes throughout the checklist.

“Precision medicine seeks to tailor healthcare to individual characteristics, accounting for the heterogeneous [dissimilar] nature of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, mental health disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and infectious diseases. However, this heterogeneity, combined with varied research methodologies, has created challenges in comparing studies and implementing findings across the field,” said Paul Franks, Chair of the Guidelines committee in a press release (2). With this in mind, the BePRECISE checklist was developed through a structured consensus process that included a scoping review, Delphi surveys, and consensus meetings.

The scoping review revealed that only 30 percent of the evaluated studies met the minimum threshold for adequate reporting. Key deficiencies included the lack of detail in methods sections, poor reporting of statistical analyses, and insufficient consideration of equity and patient involvement.

The BePRECISE checklist underscores the need for ongoing efforts to refine and update reporting standards alongside the evolving field of precision medicine. And, if adopted by researchers, journal editors, and reviewers, the checklist could support translation of research findings into the clinic, ultimately improving patient outcomes.