J Caring Sci. 2025 Feb 11;14(1):1-4. doi: 10.34172/jcs.025.33575. eCollection 2025 Feb.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In order to avoid bias in systematic reviews (SRs), the accuracy in selection of risk of bias (RoB) assessment tools is essential to obtain highest level of evidence for evidence-based decision making in health care. We aimed to review how ‘CONSORT statement’, as a reporting quality of randomized controlled trials, has been misused in recent SRs as a ROB tool.
METHODS: A mini-review was performed in international databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and hand-searches for published and unpublished literature from 2000 to 2021 and written in English. The following keywords: risk of bias, “Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials”, CONSORT, “systematic review” were used. Citations were screened and those meeting our inclusion criteria were retained.
RESULTS: A total of 11 SRs were identified that misused CONSORT as a ROB tool, four of which were used only CONSORT as ROB tool. Different authentic magazines from various countries were recognized.
CONCLUSION: The CONSORT statement aims to increase clarity and consistency of transparency of reporting in randomized controlled trials. It is quite essential to draw the attention of SR researchers, journal editors/reviewers as well as the reading audience to the fact that CONSORT statement CONSORT statement is not a ROB tool.
PMID:40391306 | PMC:PMC12085767 | DOI:10.34172/jcs.025.33575
