Table 5Strengths and Limitations of Clinical Studies using Downs and Black checklist16

StrengthsLimitations
Randomized Controlled Trial
McGinn,19 2013, USA
  • The objective was clearly stated
  • The inclusion and exclusion criteria were stated
  • Patient characteristics in the two provider groups were described; intervention and outcomes were described.
  • Randomization was done using a random number generator
  • P-values were reported
  • Conflicts of interest were declared. No apparent issues.
  • Characteristics of the providers in the two groups being compared were not presented. However, it was stated that there were no statistically significant differences in demographics between the providers in the two groups.
  • Unclear if sample size calculations were conducted
  • Blinding of the provider was not possible. It was unclear if the patients were blinded
  • Unclear if there were any withdrawals
Observational study
Thillaivanam,12 2016, Malaysia
  • The objective was clearly stated
  • Patient characteristics, intervention and outcomes were described.
  • P-values were reported
  • Conflicts of interest were declared. No apparent issues.
  • The inclusion and exclusion criteria were not stated
  • Not randomized; a retrospective chart review
  • Unclear if sample size calculations were conducted
  • No blinding
  • Unclear if all patients during the specified time were analyzed

From: Clinical Decision Rules and Strategies for the Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Infection: A Review of Clinical Utility and Guidelines

Cover of Clinical Decision Rules and Strategies for the Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Infection: A Review of Clinical Utility and Guidelines
Clinical Decision Rules and Strategies for the Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Infection: A Review of Clinical Utility and Guidelines [Internet].
Banerjee S, Ford C.
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