is consort a risk of bias tool for experimental studies: a big misunderstanding

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was performed in international databases including pubmed, google scholar and hand-searches for published and unpublished literature from 2000 to 2021 and written in english.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.