Built environment Experimental studies Critical Appraisal Tool (BECAT): Guidance and Checklist

The Built-environment Experimental studies Critical Appraisal Tool (BECAT) has been developed by the NHS Scotland Assure Healthcare Scientist Technical Team. The publications include a guidance document and a fillable checklist. The aim of the BECAT is to support structured appraisal of methodological quality in non-human experimental studies in the built environment.

BECAT is intended for studies where outcomes relate to physical systems, materials, environments, building systems or environmental conditions, rather than human subjects. It covers consistent appraisal across screening, study integrity, experimental setup, measurement approach, outcomes and analysis, reporting and transparency, and transferability.

Future work is planned to include reliability testing and further refinement based on use. If there are any questions, comments or feedback, then please email these to NSS.assuretechhcs@nhs.scot.