Compare a trial's registered outcomes with its paper by extracting the registered outcome fields from the trial record and the matching reported fields from the publication, then tabulating them side by side and flagging any difference in measure, timeframe, or definition.
ClinicalTrials.gov defines structured registration and results fields for study identification, status, design, eligibility, locations, outcomes, and reported results. The outcome fields and their data element definitions give you the vocabulary to compare against the paper.
- Open the trial record and read the Primary Outcome Measure and the Outcome Measure Data Element Definitions. Record the measure, timeframe, and definition exactly as registered, and note whether the record includes posted results.
- Extract the same fields from the published paper: each reported outcome, its measure, its timeframe, and its definition. Use the paper's methods and results sections as the source for these fields.
- Tabulate each registered outcome against its reported counterpart in one table with columns for measure, timeframe, and definition, and flag any row where the three fields differ.
A flagged difference marks a point to verify against the record and the paper text before you rely on the outcome in a review or guideline. Use the flagged rows to identify which outcomes need closer reading.