Table 3 Assessment criteria included in the ACE tool
ACE assessment criteria | Summary of the signalling questions for each criterion |
|---|---|
1. Is the aim, objective or purpose for the source material described? | Does the source material state its aim clearly or can this be derived from the material? |
2. Is the source of the information reported? | Where did the information being assessed come from, and where applicable, who collected this information? |
3. Is there a description of the programme or intervention or policy or reform on which the source material focuses? | What are the goals, content and target of the programme, intervention or policy; who was involved in delivering it; and how was this done? |
4. Is there a description of the context/s to which the information described in the source material relates? | Does the source material describe where the programme or policy or reform took place, including aspects such as setting, health or social care system, socio-cultural context and/or political and legal context? |
5. Is the information complete? | Does the source material describe any efforts to ensure that the information presented is complete and reliable? |
6. Is the information accurate? | For source materials that include empirical data, are the methods for obtaining and analysing these data appropriate? |
7. Is the information representative? | If the information is based on a sampling process, how was this done, was this appropriate and are any generalizations made appropriate? |
8. Is information provided to support any findings or conclusions made? | Are the findings or conclusions supported by relevant information? |
9. Are any limitations of the information and/or methods discussed in the source material? | Does the source material outline any gaps or weaknesses in the information provided? |
10. Are relevant rights and ethics considerations described? | Does the source material discuss relevant rights and ethics considerations? |
11. Are any interests declared and any potential conflicts of interest noted? | Are potential conflicts of interests described, including how these were addressed? |