Review outcome selection hierarchy ================================== StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026 Choose among multiple eligible measurements without selecting favorable results. How to use this worksheet List all candidate instruments, time points and analyses that could represent the review outcome. Define a scientifically justified selection hierarchy before inspecting effect direction where possible. Apply it consistently and retain alternatives for sensitivity analyses. Record departures with their timing. 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. Review outcome construct Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Eligible measurement instruments Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Time-window hierarchy Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Analysis population preference Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 5. Adjusted/unadjusted preference and rationale Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 6. Selected result and source Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Unselected eligible alternatives Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8. Departure and sensitivity plan Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Hypothetical worked case A fictional study reports two depression scales at three visits. Choosing the largest favorable effect would introduce selective inclusion; a prespecified instrument and follow-up hierarchy makes the choice reproducible. Decision rule and limitations Use the same hierarchy across studies unless a documented reason requires a departure. A convenient complete result is not automatically the most relevant outcome. 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-07 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.