Options
Draft for internal testing Scientific Committee guidance on appraising and integrating evidence from epidemiological studies for use in EFSA's scientific assessments
Date Issued
2020-08-18
Date Available
2021-06-25T11:27:31Z
Abstract
EFSA requested its Scientific Committee to prepare a guidance document on appraising and integrating evidence from epidemiological studies for use in EFSA's scientific assessments. The guidance document provides an introduction to epidemiological studies and illustrates the typical biases of the different epidemiological study designs. It describes key epidemiological concepts relevant for evidence appraisal. Regarding study reliability, measures of association, exposure assessment, statistical inferences, systematic error and effect modification are explained. Regarding study relevance, the guidance describes the concept of external validity. The principles of appraising epidemiological studies are illustrated, and an overview of Risk of Bias (RoB) tools is given. A decision tree is developed to assist in the selection of the appropriate Risk of Bias tool, depending on study question, population and design. The customisation of the study appraisal process is explained, detailing the use of RoB tools and assessing the risk of bias in the body of evidence. Several examples of appraising experimental and observational studies using a Risk of Bias tool are annexed to the document to illustrate the application of the approach. This document constitutes a draft that will be applied in EFSA's assessments during a 1-year pilot phase and be revised and complemented as necessary. Before finalisation of the document, a public consultation will be launched.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Wiley
Journal
EFSA Journal
Volume
18
Issue
8
Copyright (Published Version)
2020 European Food Safety Authority
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1831-4732
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
Owning collection
Scopus© citations
13
Acquisition Date
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
Views
344
Acquisition Date
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
Downloads
258
Last Week
3
3
Last Month
11
11
Acquisition Date
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024