Table 4 Categories for assessment of quality of included studies
From: The effectiveness of routine dental checks: a systematic review of the evidence base
Category | Yes (minor/major) No Unknown Not applicable to study design |
|---|---|
1. Selection bias and confounding a. Was allocation to comparison groups concealed? b. Were the groups similar at baseline (particularly regarding oral health status)? b. Was statistical adjustment made to account for potential differences between groups? b. Were differences between groups noted? c. Is a different dental check frequency the only 'intervention' to explain any difference in outcome? | |
2. External validity Were the eligibility criteria of the study stated? | |
3. Performance bias Were assessors blinded to intervention allocation? | |
4. Attrition bias a. Loss to follow up ≤ 20%? b. Were results analysed according to intention to treat? | |
5. Appropriate statistical analysis/data presentation? |
