University of Florida, United States.
Vanderbilt University, United States.
Res Dev Disabil. 2018 Aug;79:53-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.05.008. Epub 2018 Jun 27.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses can be a useful method for synthesizing evidence across multiple studies to draw conclusions about a research base. An important aspect of rigorous systematic reviews is an assessment of the study methods and potential biases impacting results or interpretations and conclusions of the primary studies. Single-case design (SCD) research has been a primary mechanism for identifying evidence-based practices across disciplines, but primarily in behavioral fields and special education. While the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool has been adapted for use in reviews of non-randomized studies, there is currently no guidance for evaluating SCD research. Hence, we developed a single case design risk of bias tool (SCD RoB) based on current conceptualizations of biases that might affect the validity of claims from single-case design research. We used the Cochrane risk of bias criteria and contemporary single-case design quality indicators and design standards to guide development. We describe the SCD RoB tool and two early applications of its use to demonstrate its application and provide initial validation. We also provide an overview of future areas of research using the SCD RoB tool in an effort to advance the science of single-case design research methods.
系统评价和荟萃分析可以是一种有用的方法，用于综合多个研究的证据，得出关于研究基础的结论。严格的系统评价的一个重要方面是评估研究方法和潜在的偏差，这些偏差会影响主要研究的结果或解释以及结论。单一案例设计（SCD）研究一直是识别跨学科循证实践的主要机制，但主要在行为科学领域和特殊教育领域。虽然 Cochrane 偏倚风险工具已经被改编用于非随机研究的综述，但目前还没有评估 SCD 研究的指南。因此，我们基于可能影响单案例设计研究结论有效性的偏倚的现有概念，开发了一种单案例设计风险偏倚工具（SCD RoB）。我们使用 Cochrane 偏倚风险标准和当代单案例设计质量指标和设计标准来指导工具的开发。我们描述了 SCD RoB 工具，并展示了其在两个早期应用中的使用，以证明其应用和提供初步验证。我们还概述了使用 SCD RoB 工具进行未来研究的领域，以推进单案例设计研究方法的科学发展。
