Studies were assessed for evidence of differential or non-differential selection bias using Cochrane Collaboration criteria [ 29].
There was no attempt to assess the quality of published papers using established criteria such as the Cochrane Collaboration criteria [ 42].
The scope and depth of the guidelines in covering specific sub-populations was assessed against Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) collaboration criteria [ 7].
The IPDAS collaboration criteria [ 47] serve as a validated measure of DA quality, as well as a useful guide in the development of new DAs.
The tool, in and of itself, does not meet all International Patient Decision Aid Standards IPDASS) Collaboration criteria, which were designed for standalone tools directed at patients.
The decision aid was organized into six sections and the content was guided by International Patient Decision Aid Standards IPDASS) collaboration criteria [ 16]: (1) welcome, (2) breast cancer risk factors, (3) mammography information, (4) values clarification, (5) summary and (6) final questions.
All deaths and AEs considered potentially CV-related were reviewed by a Cardiovascular Endpoints Committee composed of three blinded expert adjudicators who determined if the AE met Antiplatelet Trialists Collaboration criteria for APTC or non-APTC CV events 31– 31.
Other investigators 12, 14, 16 have used the Brighton Collaboration criteria, 23 which do not allow for the diagnosis of narcolepsy without supporting investigations (e.g. CSF hypocretin-1 measurement or sleep studies).
Many of the other trials, being inadequately blinded and using control groups with various non-invasive treatments, were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration criteria as having a high risk of bias.
Robust studies were selected for inclusion and were defined as those which met the Cochrane Collaboration criteria for appropriate design of research about Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) [ 43] in terms of being one of the following study types: randomized controlled trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled before and after trial; interrupted time series.
