However, to ensure that a degree of valid worldwide comparability was assessed, centres from North America and Australia were also invited.
Since the remaining questions in both groups were identical, the comparison between the groups is still valid but reduces the comparability with other series.
It incorporates features designed to minimise bias [ 37] and uses valid outcome measures that will facilitate comparability with other research in the area.
By introducing the study protocol we hope to stimulate other research groups to replicate and extend the design to ensure comparability between studies, and more valid and generalizable conclusions about the health impacts of implementing PBSP.
The use of age-standardised death rates might make the comparison across countries more compelling, though the question on the comparability of standard populations used remains valid.
Standardized and valid coding strategies for severe sepsis are needed to ensure comparability between epidemiological and intervention studies based on administrative data.
The 2010 mail questionnaire was mainly based on the 2005 one, with particular attention paid to comparability of the questions, so as to make valid comparisons between the two time periods.
If this procedure proves sufficiently reliable and valid, several advantages of the 'economical version' might be higher comparability among studies and more research activity, as the 'economical version' fits scientific needs much better than the 'classical' rating procedure.
This ensures that no valid results are lost early on in the benchmark, and comparability is maintained, even if a longer-than-average query sequence (that would have a higher e-value) is encountered.
Overall, further research is urgently required to define scientifically valid standards, which will ensure a high level of quality and comparability of the samples collected in the field.
