RoB 2

Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) is the recommended tool to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials included in Cochrane Reviews. RoB 2 is structured into a fixed set of domains of bias, focussing on different aspects of trial design, conduct, and reporting. Within each domain, a series of questions ('signalling questions') aim to elicit information about features of the trial that are relevant to risk of bias. A proposed judgement about the risk of bias arising from each domain is generated by an algorithm, based on answers to the signalling questions. Judgement can be 'Low' or 'High' risk of bias, or can express 'Some concerns'. The tool and guidance on how to use it can be found here.

Guidance for Cochrane authors and editors can be found on the Cochrane RoB 2 resources page. This page has links to online training, webinars, FAQs, protocol and review reporting guidance, and other resources for authors and editors. Much of this guidance is publicly available and may be used by non-Cochrane authors.

Version 2 of the tool replaces the first version, originally published in Version 5 of the Cochrane Handbook in 2008, and updated in 2011 (see here). Research in the field has progression and RoB 2 reflects current understanding of how the causes of bias can influence study results, and the most appropriate ways to assess this risk. The tool can be used now but will only be implemented in the online version of Review Manager software 2020. Authors of updates will not be required to switch to the new tool.