Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

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

Downes, Martin J.; Brennan, Marnie L.; Williams, Hywel C.; Dean, Rachel S.

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


Authors

Martin J. Downes

Marnie L. Brennan

Hywel C. Williams

Rachel S. Dean



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.

Citation

Downes, M. J., Brennan, M. L., Williams, H. C., & Dean, R. S. (2016). Development of a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS). BMJ Open, 6(12), Article e011458. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011458

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 8, 2016
Publication Date Dec 8, 2016
Deposit Date Dec 12, 2016
Publicly Available Date Dec 12, 2016
Journal BMJ Open
Electronic ISSN 2044-6055
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 6
Issue 12
Article Number e011458
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011458
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/836032
Publisher URL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/12/e011458
Contract Date Dec 12, 2016

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations