Yes, a JBI score of 9/11 is considered high quality
A study scoring 9 out of 11 (82%) on the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist is classified as low risk of bias and high quality, as it exceeds the established threshold of ≥70%. 1
Quality Classification Framework
The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist uses a standardized scoring system with clearly defined cutoff points 1:
- High quality (Low risk of bias): ≥70% (≥8 out of 11 items)
- Moderate quality (Moderate risk): 50-69% (6-7 out of 11 items)
- Low quality (High risk of bias): <50% (<6 out of 11 items)
Your score of 9/11 = 82%, which places it firmly in the high-quality category.
Calculation Method
The final score is calculated by:
- Adding all "yes" responses
- Dividing by the total number of applicable items (11)
- Converting to a percentage
Items can be scored as "yes," "no," "unclear," or "not applicable" 1. Only "yes" responses contribute to the numerator, while the denominator remains 11 unless items are marked "not applicable."
Important Caveats
The JBI checklist is study-design specific. The 11-item checklist applies specifically to systematic reviews 1, 2. Different JBI checklists exist for:
- Qualitative research (different item count)
- Randomized controlled trials 2
- Analytical cross-sectional studies 3
Ensure you're using the correct checklist for your study design, as the scoring thresholds and interpretation remain consistent across tools, but the specific items assessed differ.
Practical Implications
A score of 9/11 indicates the study has minimal methodological flaws and low risk of bias 1. This quality level makes it appropriate for:
- Inclusion in umbrella reviews and meta-analyses
- Informing clinical guidelines
- Supporting evidence-based practice decisions
However, critical appraisal scores should inform but not automatically determine study inclusion 4. The two items scored "no" or "unclear" should be examined to understand what specific methodological limitations exist and whether they affect the applicability of findings to your clinical question.