Checklists
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 SIGN’s requirements for a balance between methodological rigour and practicality of use.