CHARMS and PROBAST at your fingertips: a template for data extraction and risk of bias assessment in systematic reviews of predictive models

Abstract

Background: Systematic reviews of studies of clinical prediction models are becoming increasingly abundant in the literature. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment are critical steps in any systematic review. CHARMS and PROBAST are the standard tools used for these steps in these reviews of clinical prediction models. Results: We developed an Excel template for data extraction and risk of bias assessment of clinical prediction models including both recommended tools. The template makes it easier for reviewers to extract data, to assess the risk of bias and applicability, and to produce results tables and figures ready for publication. Conclusion: We hope this template will simplify and standardize the process of conducting a systematic review of prediction models, and promote a better and more comprehensive reporting of these systematic reviews.