Editorial Policy

1. What this toolkit is

The DoctorWithData research toolkit is a free set of validated medical scale calculators, systematic review tools (PRISMA 2020 flow diagrams, RoB 2, PICO builder, deduplication, screening, meta-analysis forest plots), and study planning utilities. It runs entirely in your browser. Every scale score is computed from an open formula you can inspect, and every scale page cites the primary source it was transcribed from.

What it is not: this toolkit does not give medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinical judgment. Scores are screening and research aids. Decisions about patients must be made by a qualified professional who can see the full clinical picture.

2. How scale content is produced

• Primary sources only. Each scale is transcribed from its original validation study or an authoritative guideline document, not from secondary summaries. The citation, including the DOI where available, is shown on the scale page.
• Formula transcription, then verification. Scoring formulas are transcribed by hand and then independently re-verified: a second pass checks every item, response option, and cut-off against the source paper before the page is published.
• Worked-example testing. Every calculator is tested with known answers from the source literature or established reference cases. A page goes live only when the computed output matches the expected result.
• Plain-English interpretation. Cut-offs and severity bands are described in plain language alongside the technical terms, so students and non-specialists can understand what a score means and what it does not mean.

3. Citation and evidence standards

• Every scale page carries its primary citation with a DOI link where one exists.
• Review tools follow established methodological frameworks: PRISMA 2020 for flow diagrams and RoB 2 concepts for risk-of-bias work.
• We never invent statistics, validation claims, or quotations. If a property of a scale (for example a Cronbach's alpha from a specific study) cannot be verified against a source, it is not published.
• External links point to primary sources, guidelines, or official documentation. Links are re-checked periodically; dead links are removed or replaced.

4. Medical review

Content in this toolkit is medically reviewed by Dr. Taimoor Asghar, physician and community medicine researcher. Review covers the accuracy of scale transcriptions, the correctness of scoring logic, and the appropriateness of the interpretive text. The reviewer identity is declared in machine-readable form on each page and in full at achawaqat.com/dr-taimoor-asghar.

5. Editorial independence

• Editorial decisions are made on evidence and accuracy alone. No advertiser, sponsor, or commercial partner can influence which scales are included, how they are scored, or what the interpretive text says.
• Advertising, where present, is clearly separated from tool content. Ads never appear inside a calculator or beside a score result in a way that could be mistaken for editorial content.
• The toolkit's code is MIT-licensed and the formulas are open. Anyone can inspect the scoring logic, which is a deliberate check against hidden bias.

6. Corrections

We correct errors promptly and transparently. If you spot a wrong formula, a mis-cited source, or a broken tool, report it through the corrections process on the main site. Verified corrections are published with the date fixed; scoring errors are treated as urgent and fixed first.

7. Updates

Scales are re-checked when new validation studies or guideline updates are published. When a scale's scoring or interpretation changes in the literature, the page is updated and the change is noted. This page's "last updated" date reflects the most recent policy revision.

8. Limitations

• Scales were validated in specific populations and settings. A score's meaning can change outside those populations; the scale page notes the original validation context.
• Calculations happen on your device and are not stored by us, but you should still avoid entering identifiable patient data into any browser tool.
• This toolkit is maintained by a small team. We prioritize accuracy over speed: a tool is not published until its maths verifies against known answers.

9. Contact

For corrections, questions about methodology, or licensing queries, use the contact details on the main site at achawaqat.com. Licensing terms for reuse of the toolkit code are summarized under Licensing.