Appraising the methodological quality of cadaveric studies: validation of the QUACS scale

摘要: Although systematic reviews are conducted in the field of anatomical research, no instruments exist for assessment study quality. Thus, our objective was to develop a valid tool that reliably assesses methodological quality observational cadaveric studies. The QUACS scale (QUality Appraisal Cadaveric Studies) developed using an expert consensus process. It consists 13-item checklist addressing design, conduct and report dissection To evaluate inter-rater reliability, blinded investigator obtained initial pool 120 Sixty-eight them were selected randomly according sample size calculations. Three independent researchers rated each publication by means scale. reliability total score estimated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). assess agreement among individual items, margin-free kappa values calculated. For construct validity, two experts (an anatomist experienced physician) categorized 15 studies as ‘excellent’ (4 points), ‘moderate good’ (3 poor moderate’ (2 points) or ‘poor’ (1 point). Kendall's tau rank used compare ratings with scores on An evaluation feasibility carried out during analysis. All three raters recorded duration appraisal article. Means describe average time exposure. ICC 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.92; P < 0.0001). ranged between 0.56 0.96 69–97% raters. B association results 0.69 (P < 0.01). Required rating per article 5.4 ± 1.6 min. is highly reliable exhibits strong validity. it can confidently be applied assessing