Scope

POPCORN-NCD reporting guidelines apply to studies using simulation modelling to address noncommunicable diseases at the population level.

Is POPCORN-NCD right for your study?

TipPOPCORN-NCD applies if your study:
  • Uses computational simulation (not just statistical analysis of observed data)
  • Addresses population-level health (not individual clinical decisions)
  • Focuses on NCDs, their risk factors, or related health outcomes
  • Explores “what if” scenarios or alternative interventions across past, current, or future time horizons
NotePOPCORN-NCD may not apply

Consider these alternatives:

  • Observational studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional) → STROBE
  • Prediction models (individual risk calculators developed from observed data) → TRIPOD
  • Health estimates (data assembly and burden quantification) → GATHER
  • Economic evaluations (without simulation modelling) → CHEERS
  • Burden of disease studies (using standardised formulas without simulation) → STROBOD
  • Experimental studies → CONSORT and related extensions
  • Systematic reviews → PRISMA
WarningNote

Many simulation studies benefit from using POPCORN alongside other guidelines—particularly CHEERS (for economic evaluations), GATHER (for health estimates), or STROBOD (for DALY calculations).

POPCORN fills a gap in health research reporting

Most EQUATOR reporting guidelines address observation (what happened), experimentation (controlled tests), or summarization (synthesis of studies). Few address simulation—the computational exploration of “what could be.”

What makes simulation distinct

  • Synthesizes multiple evidence sources (not single datasets)
  • Explores counterfactual scenarios (not just describes what was observed)
  • Projects across time horizons (retrospective, current, and prospective)
  • Generates insights for questions too complex, time-consuming, dangerous, or impossible to answer through observation or experimentation

While simulation is central to many fields (climate science, engineering, physics), health research has developed strong traditions in reporting guidelines through EQUATOR. POPCORN brings simulation modelling into this established framework.

When to use POPCORN together with other guidelines

  • CHEERS: If your simulation is part of an economic evaluation
  • GATHER: For reporting data assembly and estimation methods
  • STROBOD: If calculating DALYs or quantifying attributable burden

Reporting guidelines vs. best practice guidance

POPCORN is a reporting guideline (what to report in publications), distinct from best practice guidance (how to build and use simulation models). Other valuable resources for modellers include: