Research Decision Log — instructions
StatMedAnalysis | Revised 6 November 2026

Open the matching CSV in a spreadsheet or text editor. Keep an untouched copy.
The first data row is a clearly labeled hypothetical example, not study data.
Delete it before entering working records. Add rows without changing headers.
Use public, hypothetical or aggregate information only; no patient identifiers.

Use one row per decision or dated change. Preserve the original plan; distinguish prospective decisions from changes made after viewing outcomes.

Field guide
- decision: Name the research decision clearly enough to find it later.
- original plan: Preserve the previous plan and its version or source location.
- change: Describe exactly what is now different; use NONE for a confirmed unchanged plan.
- reason: Explain why the decision was made using documented evidence.
- date: Use YYYY-MM-DD for the actual check or decision date.
- results seen before change: Record Yes, No or Unknown honestly; state which results were available in project notes.
- approved by: Record the authorised role and approval evidence, or PENDING; do not imply approval that has not occurred.

Decision rule
Record actual timing and authorisation. Do not relabel a result-driven change as prespecified.

Write UNKNOWN, NOT REPORTED or NOT APPLICABLE with a reason in text fields.
Leave unresolved numeric fields empty and explain them in separate project notes;
never encode unknown values as zero. Store the source record and reviewer/date
in your project record. This planning aid is not a validated instrument.

Official guidance
https://www.consort-spirit.org/