Post written by Bashar J. Qumseya, MD, MPH, FASGE, from the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

I have been involved in many systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Several scales used for rating cohort studies were available but were either to difficult to use or interpret. I wanted to create a simple, efficient, and easy-to-use scale to assess the quality of cohort studies.

The novel scale consists of 9 questions, scored out of 10 points. Scoring is intuitive. If you score >80% then the study is of high quality. If you score 60-70%, then the study is of moderate quality. If you score <60% then the study is of poor quality. These scores match what you would expect in any school exam where scoring less than 60% gets you an F!

Our score is unique in many ways. It was rated highest in efficiency, understandability, and ease of use. It allows down rating of outlier studies, and it gives more points to studies that have the same primary outcome as you systematic review.

Figure 1. Quality assessment for meta-analysis scoring items (Qumseya scale).

Read the full article online.

The information presented in Endoscopedia reflects the opinions of the authors and does not represent the position of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). ASGE expressly disclaims any warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, and is not liable for damages of any kind in connection with the material, information, or procedures set forth.