Systematic Review Service

This step is also referred to as critical appraisal, quality appraisal, quality assessment, risk of bias assessment, validity assessment, and other similar terms. All refer to the same process: using a tool/instrument to assess the quality of the studies you have included in your review.

There are a large number of tools to choose from. Your choice will depend on the types of studies you are looking at (e.g., randomized controlled trials, diagnostic studies, mixed methods studies, intervention studies, etc.).

You can find lists of tools here:

• Quality Assessment and Risk of Bias Tool Repository
• Latitudes Network

Some journals specify the tool you should use in the author instructions, or require the use of a validated tool. Always check your target journal's requirements prior to tool selection.

Note that scoping reviews do not need to complete this step.

Your MSK librarian can point you to resources for selecting an appropriate appraisal tool. They can also assist with setting up a pilot assessment module in Covidence prior to finalizing tool selection and implementation.

Covidence includes a customizable module for quality assessment. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool is the default tool given, but the module is fully customizable. 

Learn more about customizing your Covidence Quality Assessment template: