Development of a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS)

Tools

Downes, Martin J., Brennan, Marnie L., Williams, Hywel C. and Dean, Rachel S. (2016) Development of a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS). BMJ Open, 6 (12). e011458/1-e011458/7. ISSN 2044-6055

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Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a critical appraisal (CA) tool that addressed study design and reporting quality as well as the risk of bias in cross-sectional studies (CSSs). In addition, the aim was to produce a help document to guide the non-expert user through the tool.

Design: An initial scoping review of the published literature and key epidemiological texts was undertaken prior to the formation of a Delphi panel to establish key components for a CA tool for CSSs. A consensus of 80% was required from the Delphi panel for any component to be included in the final tool.

Results: An initial list of 39 components was identified through examination of existing resources. An international Delphi panel of 18 medical and veterinary experts was established. After 3 rounds of the Delphi process, the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool) was developed by consensus and consisted of 20 components. A detailed explanatory document was also developed with the tool, giving expanded explanation of each question and providing simple interpretations and examples of the epidemiological concepts being examined in each question to aid non-expert users.

Conclusions: CA of the literature is a vital step in evidence synthesis and therefore evidence-based decision-making in a number of different disciplines. The AXIS tool is therefore unique and was developed in a way that it can be used across disciplines to aid the inclusion of CSSs in systematic reviews, guidelines and clinical decision-making.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/836032
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Identification Number: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011458
Depositing User: Eprints, Support
Date Deposited: 12 Dec 2016 12:36
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 18:26
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/39316

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