Methodological assessment of studies selected as potential sources of evidence is based on a number of criteria that focus on those aspects of the study design that research has shown to have a significant effect on the risk of bias in the results reported and conclusions drawn. These criteria differ between study types, and a range of checklists is used to bring a degree of consistency to the assessment process.
These checklists were subjected to evaluation and adaptation to meet SIGNs requirements for a balance between methodological rigour and practicality of use.
Methodology checklist 1: systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Checklist
Notes
CASP Checklist
Critical Appraisal Skills Programme [CASP]
This set of eight critical appraisal tools are designed to be used when reading research, these include tools for Systematic Reviews, Randomised Controlled Trials, Cohort Studies, Case Control Studies, Economic Evaluations, Diagnostic Studies, Qualitative studies and Clinical Prediction Rule.
These are free to download and can be used by anyone under the Creative Commons License.
Public Health Resource Unit, NHS, England