Risk of Bias and Study Quality Assessment: Linking Evidence to Practice.

Abstract

Evidence-based practice requires use of the best available evidence, which implies that some evidence is better than other evidence. Better evidence comes from research findings that are at lower risk of bias. Sorting the good from the bad when it comes to research evidence requires assessment of the methods and results of the study. Study quality and risk of bias assessment tools can help the reader understand how much confidence one should place in the findings of a study. However, the reader must select the right tool for the job, and proper application requires an understanding of the principles that underpin the items in the tool. <i>J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(5):277-279. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.0702</i>.