The most important documents to be shared.

Clinical trial data-sharing is seen as an imperative for research integrity and is becoming increasingly encouraged or even required by funders, journals, and other stakeholders. However, early experiences with data-sharing have been disappointing because they are not always conducted properly. Health data is indeed sensitive and not always easy to share in a responsible way. We propose 10 rules for researchers wishing to share their data. These rules cover the majority of elements to be considered in order to start the commendable process of clinical trial data-sharing:

Rule 1: Abide by local legal and regulatory data protection requirements

Rule 2: Anticipate the possibility of clinical trial data-sharing before obtaining funding

Rule 3: Declare your intent to share data in the registration step

Rule 4: Involve research participants

Rule 5: Determine the method of data access

Rule 6: Remember there are several other elements to share

Rule 7: Do not proceed alone

Rule 8: Deploy optimal data management to ensure that the data shared is useful

Rule 9: Minimize risks

Rule 10: Strive for excellence.