Table 6.1 CONSORT Checklist of Items to Include when Reporting a Randomized Trial*
Paper Section and Topic
Item #
Descriptor
Title and abstract
1How participants were allocated to interventions (e.g. "random allocation," "randomized," or "randomly assigned")
Introduction  
 Background2Scientific background and explanation of rationale
Methods   
 Participants3Eligibility criteria for participants and the settings and locations where the data were collected
 Interventions4Precise details of the interventions intended for each group and how and when they were actually administered
 Objectives5Specific objectives and hypotheses
 Outcomes6Clearly defined primary and secondary outcome measures and, when applicable, any methods used to enhance the quality of the measurements (e.g. multiple observations, training of assessors)
 Sample size7How sample size was determined and, when applicable, explanation of any interim analyses and stopping rules
 Randomization  
  Sequence generation8Method used to generate the random allocation sequence, including details of any restriction (blocking, stratification)
  Allocation concealment9Method used to implement the random allocation sequence (e.g. numbered containers or central telephone), clarifying whether the sequence was concealed until interventions were assigned
  Implementation10Who generated the allocation sequence, who enrolled participants, and who assigned participants to their groups
 Blinding (masking)11Whether or not participants, those administering the interventions, and those assessing the outcomes, were blinded to group assignment. If done, how the success of blinding was evaluated
 Statistical Methods12Statistical methods used to compare groups for primary outcome(s); methods for additional analyses, such as subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses
Results   
 Participant Flow13Flow of participants through each stage (a diagram is strongly recommended). Specifically, for each group report the numbers of participants randomly assigned, receiving intended treatment, completing the study protocol, and analyzed for the primary outcome. Describe protocol deviations from study as planned, together with reasons
 Recruitment14Dates defining the periods of recruitment and followup
 Baseline data15Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of each group
 Numbers analyzed16Number of participants (denominator) in each group included in each analysis and whether  the analysis was by "intention to treat". State the results in absolute numbers when feasible (e.g. 10 or 20, not 50%)
 Outcomes and estimation17For each primary and secondary outcome, a summary of results for each group and the estimated effect size and precision (e.g. 95% confidence interval)
 Ancillary analyses18Address multiplicity by reporting any other analyses performed, including subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses, indicating those prespecified and those exploratory.
 Adverse events19All important adverse effects or side effects in each intervention group
Discussion
 Interpretation20Intrepretation of the results, taking into account study hypotheses, sourse of potential bias, or imprecision, and the dangers associated with multiplicity of analyses and outcomes
 Generalizability21Generalizability (external validity) of the trial findings
 Overall evidence22General intrepretation of the results in the context of current evidence
 
* modifed from Altman, et al.