Table 1

The Delphi list

Yes/no/don't know
Study population
 1. Was a method of randomisation performed?
 2. Was the allocation of treatment concealed?
 3. Were the groups similar at baseline regarding the most important prognostic indicators (age, gender, disease duration, disease severity)?
 4. Were both inclusion and exclusion criteria specified?
Blinding

  1. Was the outcome assessor blinded?

  2. Was the care provider blinded?

  3. Was the patient blinded?

Analysis

  1. Were point estimates and measures of variability presented for the primary outcomes?

  2. Did the analysis include an intention-to-treat analysis?

  3. Was the withdrawal/drop-out rate at <20% and equally distributed?