Study-author clarification tracker
==================================

StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026

Resolve missing or ambiguous study information without inventing values.

How to use this worksheet
Prepare a focused question linked to a report location and extraction field. Record the
information requested, contact route and approved follow-up schedule. Preserve replies
with dates and distinguish author-provided data from published data. Do not treat
nonresponse as evidence for any particular value.

Save a working copy and keep the original blank version. Use public, hypothetical or
aggregate information only; do not enter patient identifiers, credentials or confidential
records. Keep source evidence in your approved project workspace. Mark unresolved text
fields UNKNOWN or NOT REPORTED with a reason; never substitute zero for an unknown count.

Project/version __________________  Prepared by role/date __________________

Working fields
1. Study/report identifier
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Ambiguous or missing field
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. Exact question and source locator
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. Contact attempt date and route
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5. Follow-up plan
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

6. Response and supporting material
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

7. Extraction changes and provenance
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

8. Unresolved assumption or exclusion consequence
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Hypothetical worked case
A fictional report labels an uncertainty column only as error. The reviewer asks whether
it is SD or SE and retains the author response. Until resolved, the extraction remains
unspecified rather than choosing the interpretation that permits pooling.

Decision rule and limitations
Use clarified information only with traceable provenance and consistent extraction
rules. Record nonresponse and uncertainty explicitly before deciding how the study
contributes.

Decision _______________________  Remaining uncertainty ____________________
Next action ____________________  Owner / review date ______________________
Independent check and discrepancy resolution _______________________________

Official method or reporting reference checked 6 November 2026
https://www.cochrane.org/authors/handbooks-and-manuals/handbook/current/chapter-05

This is an original planning aid, not an official checklist, validated instrument,
clinical recommendation or certificate of expert approval. Apply the referenced
guidance to the specific design and record any additional requirements.