Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Caring Sciences 2251-9920 14 1 2025 02 19 Is CONSORT a Risk of Bias Tool for Experimental Studies: A Big Misunderstanding 1 4 10.34172/jcs.025.33575 EN Ehsan Sarbazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8190-9942 Homayoun Sadeghi-Bazargani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0396-8709 Journal Article 10.34172/jcs.025.33575 2024 06 10 2024 07 02 Introduction: In order to avoid bias in systematic reviews (SRs), the accuracy in selection of risk of bias (RoB) assessment tools is essential to obtain highest level of evidence for evidence-based decision making in health care. We aimed to review how ‘CONSORT statement’, as a reporting quality of randomized controlled trials, has been misused in recent SRs as a ROB tool. Methods: A mini-review was performed in international databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and hand-searches for published and unpublished literature from 2000 to 2021 and written in English. The following keywords: risk of bias, "Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials", CONSORT, "systematic review" were used. Citations were screened and those meeting our inclusion criteria were retained. Results: A total of 11 SRs were identified that misused CONSORT as a ROB tool, four of which were used only CONSORT as ROB tool. Different authentic magazines from various countries were recognized. Conclusion: The CONSORT statement aims to increase clarity and consistency of transparency of reporting in randomized controlled trials. It is quite essential to draw the attention of SR researchers, journal editors/reviewers as well as the reading audience to the fact that CONSORT statement CONSORT statement is not a ROB tool.