AMSTAR 2
AMSTAR 2 is a tool that helps assess the quality of systematic reviews that include studies about healthcare interventions, including both randomised and non-randomised studies. It helps users decide whether a review is reliable and suitable for use in clinical or policy decisions.
At a glance
Use when
Assessing the quality of systematic reviews that include randomised or non-randomised studies of healthcare interventions, especially for informing clinical guidelines or health policy.
Avoid when
Evaluating primary studies (rather than reviews), or when a simple quality score is required without detailed methodological assessment.
Inputs
Systematic review of healthcare interventions (including randomised or non-randomised studies)
Outputs
Quality appraisal of the systematic review based on 16 critical criteria
How it works
AMSTAR 2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) is a validated critical appraisal tool updated from the original AMSTAR to evaluate the methodological quality of systematic reviews that include randomised or non-randomised studies of healthcare interventions. It includes 16 items assessing key aspects of review conduct, such as protocol registration, comprehensive literature search, risk of bias assessment, and appropriate handling of non-randomised studies.
- HTA domains
- Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, Organisational aspects
- Assumptions
- The tool assumes that higher methodological quality in a systematic review leads to more reliable results. It also assumes that inclusion of non-randomised studies requires specific methodological considerations.
- Strengths
- Comprehensive coverage of methodological aspects; specifically adapted for reviews including non-randomised studies; widely used and validated; supports critical appraisal in evidence-based decision making.
- Limitations
- Does not provide a numerical quality score; requires trained users to interpret responses; some criteria may be challenging to apply consistently across diverse review topics.
- Also known as
- A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2, AMSTAR-2
Questions this answers
- › How reliable is the methodology of a systematic review?
- › Does the review include a comprehensive search strategy?
- › Was the risk of bias in included studies assessed appropriately?
- › Was a protocol registered before the review was conducted?
- › Were results appropriately synthesised and interpreted?
- › How well does the review handle non-randomised studies of interventions?
References & sources
Related methods
Similar by meaning
Beta record. Generated from the primary source via AI extraction and independent audit, pending final human review.