Navigating the reporting guideline environment for computational pathology: A review

TL;DR

This review identifies and summarizes over 70 reporting guidelines for computational pathology AI research, aiming to improve research transparency, reproducibility, and reduce waste by guiding researchers and journals.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive, categorized summary of existing reporting guidelines applicable to various stages and types of AI research in pathology.

Findings

Over 70 relevant reporting resources identified

Guidelines categorized into key research stages and areas

Summary tables created for easy access and use

Abstract

The application of new artificial intelligence (AI) discoveries is transforming healthcare research. However, the standards of reporting are variable in this still evolving field, leading to potential research waste. The aim of this work is to highlight resources and reporting guidelines available to researchers working in computational pathology. The EQUATOR Network library of reporting guidelines and extensions was systematically searched up to August 2022 to identify applicable resources. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used and guidance was screened for utility at different stages of research and for a range of study types. Items were compiled to create a summary for easy identification of useful resources and guidance. Over 70 published resources applicable to pathology AI research were identified. Guidelines were divided into key categories, reflecting current study types and target areas for AI research: Literature & Research Priorities, Discovery, Clinical Trial, Implementation and Post-Implementation & Guidelines. Guidelines useful at multiple stages of research and those currently in development were also highlighted. Summary tables with links to guidelines for these groups were developed, to assist those working in cancer AI research with complete reporting of research. Issues with replication and research waste are recognised problems in AI research. Reporting guidelines can be used as templates to ensure the essential information needed to replicate research is included within journal articles and abstracts. Reporting guidelines are available and useful for many study types, but greater awareness is needed to encourage researchers to utilise them and for journals to adopt them. This review and summary of resources highlights guidance to researchers, aiming to improve completeness of reporting.