Box 1 Suggestions for items that journals could include in their policies for authors’ disclosure of conflicts of interest (COI)

Describe the COI

Specify the level of COI – individual vs. institutional

Specify the type of COI – financial vs. non- financial

If financial COI, specify:

• The subtype (e.g. grant; serving as an advisor, consultant or public advocate; stock ownership; indirect financial support (examples include paid by the entity, writing assistance, administrative support); personal fees; direct employment; honoraria for speaking, writing or reviewing on the topic discussed in the manuscript; speaker bureaus or board membership; royalties; patents)

• The monetary value

• Date

• Source and source type (e.g. private for-profit, private not-for-profit, governmental, institution, medical professional society, inter-governmental)

If non-financial COI, specify:

• The subtype (e.g. participation in guideline panel, public expression of opinion, religious beliefs, political affiliation)

• Date