KEY TAKEAWAY

• The RIVA-C checklist helps to create clear, accurate, and standardised infographics and avoid misinterpretation of results of comparative studies.

In the evolving landscape of scientific communication, visual tools such as infographics and visual abstracts are increasingly used to present research findings. While they offer quick and accessible summaries, concerns have emerged about their accuracy, clarity, and completeness – especially when used to convey complex comparative studies. To address these challenges, Joshua R. Zadro and colleagues developed the Reporting Infographics and Visual Abstracts of Comparative studies (RIVA-C) checklist and guide, a tool designed to improve the quality and reliability of infographics summarising comparative studies of health and medical interventions.

Why was RIVA-C developed?

Studies have shown that infographics can reduce full-text views, as readers turn to the infographic for a quick summary rather than reading the full article. However, infographics do not always include all the details needed to fully understand a study, increasing the risk of misinterpretation. The authors argue that previous infographic guidelines were either not rigorously developed or focused mainly on formatting and design.

Previous infographic guidelines were either not rigorously developed or focused mainly on formatting and design rather than content quality.

How was RIVA-C developed?

The checklist was developed through a structured consensus process involving 92 participants from a range of professional backgrounds. This process was led by an international Steering Group to ensure diversity of input and methodological robustness.

The RIVA-C checklist

The full checklist  comprises 10 items across 3 categories: (1) study characteristics, (2) results, and (3) conclusions/takeaway message—each accompanied by detailed explanations and examples to aid practical implementation. The checklist was piloted over a 6-month period to evaluate its clarity, relevance, and usability.

The future of RIVA-C

RIVA-C aims to enhance the transparency and completeness of infographic reporting, reducing the risk of misinterpretation—especially in the context of influential studies like randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews.

The authors recommend that journals endorse RIVA-C, similar to other checklists listed on the EQUATOR Network, by including a link and relevant information on their “instructions for authors” page. They also stress that evaluating the implementation of RIVA-C will be essential to inform future modifications to the checklist, ultimately increasing its impact.

RIVA-C may provide a path to improving the clarity and integrity of comparative study infographics. The Steering Group also hopes RIVA-C will lead to the creation of similar checklists in other areas of healthcare research.

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