Library of risk of bias tools

NHLBI tool for systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Study design(s) targeted by the tool Systematic reviewssystematic-review Meta-analysismeta-analysis
Additional details on designs NA
Tool area Health
Link to the tool Get the NHLBI systematic reivews tool

Details

Website https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/study-quality-assessment-tools
Primary publication No publication - available from website
DOI
Guidance document
Training

None known – please contact us if you are aware of any training that should be listed here.

Language English
Translations

None known – please contact us if you are aware of any translations that should be listed here.

Record last updated 16/06/2026

Related tools and Publications

Previous versions

None

Updated versions

None

Related tools

Suite of NHLBI tools

Evaluations

None known – please contact us if you are aware of any training that should be listed here.

Other publications

Background: Development and Use of Study Quality Assessment Tools

Key Criteria

Focuses on risk of bias, or makes a distinction between items that assess risk of bias and other aspects of study quality No
Offers a method to reach either a domain specific or overall assessment of risk of bias Yes
Tool developed for use across topic areas (i.e. not developed for specific clinical area such as physiotherapy or dentistry) Yes
Avoids recommending use of summary numerical quality scores Yes