Workflow templates

A flow describes the steps and decisions for a particular part of a study. It can include connected steps, decision branches, tables, assumptions and supporting evidence.

Choose a purpose below to explore the available flows. Each flow guide shows its diagram, explains its steps and provides the tables and supporting information needed to use it.

Flows by purpose

  • Study planning

    Set out the research question, design, outcomes and decisions before organizing the detailed work. Overview flows connect the major stages; other planning flows specify a particular part of the design.

  • Population tracking

    Describe who or what enters the study, how groups are formed and what happens during follow-up. Define eligibility, assignment or exposure and disposition, keeping people, episodes and events distinct.

  • Data preparation

    Specify how source records become study variables and analysis data. Document measurement, timing, linkage, derivations, missingness and checks so the resulting dataset can be reconstructed.

  • Statistical planning

    Define the quantities to estimate, comparisons, assumptions and analysis methods before interpreting results. Plan sample size or precision, missing data, multiplicity and sensitivity as appropriate to the question.

  • Analysis and reporting

    Connect the planned questions to analysis execution, result tables and interpretation. Keep data versions, methods and outputs traceable and document departures from the plan.

  • Evidence synthesis

    Organize the identification, selection, appraisal and synthesis of existing evidence. Choose flows that fit the review question, available evidence and intended form of synthesis.

How flows and projects work together

A project brings flows together in a sequence, with an overview and references connecting related steps. You can start with a project template, add an individual flow from Add flow, or create your own. Each added flow is an editable copy: changes apply to that project.

Choosing a study design

The study guides explain which design fits a research question and how its flows work together, with published examples and hypothetical scenarios.