Tutorial: dos and don’ts in clinical prediction research for venous thromboembolism

Clinical prediction modeling has become an increasingly popular domain of venous thromboembolism research in recent years. Prediction models can help healthcare providers make decisions regarding starting or withholding therapeutic interventions, or referrals for further diagnostic workup, and can form a basis for risk stratification in clinical trials. The aim of the current guide is to assist in the practical application of complicated methodological requirements for well-performed prediction research by presenting key dos and don’ts while expanding the understanding of predictive research in general for (clinical) researchers who are not specifically trained in the topic; throughout we will use prognostic venous thromboembolism scores as an exemplar. •Clinical prediction modeling has become a popular domain of venous thromboembolism research.•This paper presents key dos and don’ts in clinical prediction research.•It is of great importance to establish the need for a prediction model.•Realize that a series of steps should be taken before a model is ready to be used.