Table 2.

Possible remedies to improve study methodology

Methodological concerns	Possible solutions or suggestions
Small sample size, small events	Enroll larger numbers of patients, involving multiple centers or adopt harmonized protocols to allow subsequent pooled analysis/meta-analysis; needed for COVID-19 but applicable to all research
Sparse reporting on observational study methods	Conform to the STROBE guidance for reporting observational studies [14]
Sparse reporting on RCT methods	Conform to the CONSORT guidelines for reporting RCTs [15]
Unclear/absent randomization, concealment, blinding in RCT	Allocate individuals to intervention or control therapies based on a random process, in which the patient and the clinical providers are blind to treatment allocation
Confounding bias in observational studies	Use of statistical methods to adjust for confounding factors; propensity score matching, stratification [13]
Data attrition (patients lost to follow-up)	Minimize missing data; use of intention-to-treat analysis, with appropriate handling of missing data; consider complete case analysis as sensitivity analysis

Abbreviations: CONSORT, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials; RCT, randomized controlled trial; STROBE, STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology.