ArticleCochrane evidence synthesis and methods2023
What tool do undergraduate pharmacy students prefer when grading systematic review evidence: AMSTAR-2 or ROBIS?
Article in Cochrane evidence synthesis and methods, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Agreement testing of AMSTAR-PF, a tool for quality appraisal of systematic reviews of prognostic factor studies.BMJ open · 2026Observational
- What tool do undergraduate pharmacy students prefer when grading systematic review evidence: AMSTAR-2 or ROBIS?Cochrane evidence synthesis and methods · 2023Article
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Authors and funding
1 author.
Funding
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Abstract
Introduction: While systematic reviews (SRs) are considered the highest form of evidence in the hierarchy, the quality and standard of reviews varies. Two quality assessment tools have been developed to assess the variation in such standards. This study compared the preference, validity, reliability, and applicability of using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) and the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) for critically appraising evidence by pharmacy students. Materials and Methods: Students attended eight lectures on evidence-based medicine. Students independently assessed two SRs using AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS. The agreement between both tools were calculated using Spearman's test while interrater reliability was calculated using Fleiss' Results: Students reported a preference for the AMSTAR-2 tool due to its clear and distinct rating criteria as well as guidance provided by the tool's developer. In comparison, students found the items on the ROBIS tool difficult to judge as it was subjective. A moderate agreement between both tools on the overall domain ratings was noted (Spearman Conclusion: The AMSTAR-2 tool had a low level of concordance in ratings of review among students. However, the AMSTAR-2 tool was preferred by students due to the clear guidance and ease of use.
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