Development and validation of a risk-of-bias tool for assessing in vitro studies conducted in dentistry: The QUIN

Abstract

Statement of problem: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have emerged as forerunners of evidence-based dentistry, but assessing the quality of the available research is essential so that it can be applied to clinical practice. While a wide variety of risk-of-bias tools are available, each specifically developed for different study designs, a comprehensive tool exclusively framed to assess the quality of in vitro dental studies is lacking.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a tool to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of in vitro dental studies.

Material and methods: A Delphi panel was established to conceptualize and develop the Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies (QUIN Tool). The tool was evaluated by using content validity and reliability testing methods.

Results: The QUIN Tool includes 12 points along with scoring and grading options to allow clinicians to evaluate the quality of in vitro studies. This tool shows good content validity and reliability.

Conclusions: The QUIN Tool is user-friendly, efficient, and effective for evaluating the risk of bias of in vitro studies.