---
title: "Critical appraisal"
canonical: "https://research.refined.site/space/Research/48333671/Critical%20appraisal"
format: markdown
---
#### Tools

Tools to assist with evaluating the quality of research, also used in systematic reviewing / meta-analysis. These vary in complexity and application. Please feel free to discuss a suitable appraisal tool for your needs. Contact [Victoria Andersen](mailto:victoria.andersen@waitematadhb.govt.nz). Some of the following are useful for monitoring the content of your own writing or in study development.

- [Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP)](https://casp-uk.net/) then click on 'Checklists'.
- [GATE CATs (University of Auckland)](https://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/en/soph/about/our-departments/epidemiology-and-biostatistics/research/epiq/2017-evidence-based-practice-and-cats.html) -- Graphic Appraisal Tool for Epidemiology Critical Appraised Topics (GATE CATs) workbooks for quantitative studies (the 2013 versions have more comprehensive information about each question).
- [Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)](http://www.gradeworkinggroup.org/) -- more useful if developing a guideline and needing to incorporate patient values. Start by reading the [BMJ series about GRADE](https://bestpractice.bmj.com/info/toolkit/learn-ebm/what-is-grade/).
- [Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklists](https://www.sign.ac.uk/what-we-do/methodology/checklists/) -- for systematic review & meta-analyses, RCTs, cohort studies, case-control, diagnostic, economic. Comprehensive notes are provided about completing the checklists.
- [Canchild Centre for Disability Research McMaster University](https://www.canchild.ca/en/resources/137-critical-review-forms-and-guidelines) -- good background material about different types of studies included with appraisal forms.

#### Education clinic

Consider attending our clinic on [Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal](http://staffnet/kc/help/research-clinics.asp) (follow link for more information and registration details).