Diseño de una escala para la evaluación de calidad metodológica de estudios de pronóstico

Abstract Design of a methodological quality scale for prognostic studies Background: One of the main classification systems to describe the quality of scientific publicationsis the level of evidence. However, for our research team, the methodological quality is multidimensional. Aim: To design a scale to determine the methodological quality of studies dealing with prognosis. Mate-rial and Method: On a first stage, five professionals with experience in research were interviewed about theitems that, in their opinion, must be considered to assess the methodological quality of a manuscript. On asecond stage, 121 prognostic studies were critically reviewed by four professionals with research experienceIn addition, the number of publications of each author was determined and the evidence level of eacharticle was described according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. A subsequent factorialanalysis was performed and the fields and items of the scale were generated. Results: Sixty six percent ofreviewed articles had a cohort design (prospective or retrospective), 45% were located at an evidence level1b and 39% are at an evidence level of 4. After reviewing the articles, a factorial analysis was performedchoosing an orthogonal matrix. A scale (MinCir Pr) was generated with a total of 25 items, 6 fields and aCronbach coefficient alpha of 0.89.