01
State the decision the team needs to make.
State the proposed design choice, the relevant section and the unresolved question. This gives reviewers a common starting point even when they bring different expertise.
02
Keep contributions distinct.
Scientific purpose, statistical considerations, operational assumptions and data requirements are related but different. Ask the appropriate contributors which issues matter for this study; do not assume someone can approve a decision just because of their job title.
03
Keep the evidence and reasoning with the recommendation.
Bring the source, assumption or reasoning alongside each recommendation. Make disagreement and missing information visible so the responsible people can examine them.
04
Record what was decided and what remains open.
Retain the rationale, responsible reviewer and relevant version. Closing a discussion should not hide an unanswered question, and a comment should not be mistaken for formal approval.
Keep the reasoning in view.
Shared question → distinct contributions → visible basis → accountable decision
Use this discussion framework with the evidence and information from your study. The accountable study team decides which sources and questions apply.
See this review approach in a connected example →