> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/review-workflow/critical-appraisal/smart-critical-appraisal.md). # Smart Critical Appraisal Learn how to generate and review Smart Critical Appraisal recommendations. Critical appraisal helps you assess each included study's risk of bias. **Smart Critical Appraisal** (SCA) reads full texts and recommends answers to your appraisal checklist. SCA shows the passage supporting each recommendation. Review every recommendation before it counts. ### Before You Begin Complete these requirements before generating recommendations: * Select an appraisal system in [Nest Settings](/your-nests/nest-settings.md). See [Configure Critical Appraisal](/review-workflow/critical-appraisal/configure-critical-appraisal.md) for system selection. * Upload a full-text PDF for each included study. SCA doesn't generate from abstracts. ### Generate Smart Appraisals {% stepper %} {% step %} #### Open Configure Critical Appraisal In the Configure Critical Appraisal , select **Smart Critical Appraisal**.

The Configure Critical Appraisal menu with Smart Critical Appraisal selected. — Select Smart Critical Appraisal in Configure Critical Appraisal.

{% endstep %} {% step %} #### Review The Run Summary The modal summarizes the run before generation: * **Studies with existing responses remain unchanged.** SCA skips them, including unanswered questions. * **Configured systems are listed.** Return to **Nest Settings** if a system is missing. * **Multiple systems are matched automatically.** Each study is matched to an appropriate configured system. * **Generation level depends on reviewer mode.** **Dual mode** supports reviewer-level or final-level generation. * **Only included studies with full texts qualify.** Excluded records and studies without full texts are skipped. * **Overall judgment is optional.** Skip it when your review uses different judgment thresholds.

The Smart Critical Appraisal run summary modal showing appraisal systems, eligible studies, and generation options. — Review the run summary before generating recommendations.

{% endstep %} {% step %} #### Generate Select **Generate**. Each nest includes 1,000 full-text generations. {% endstep %} {% step %} #### Review And Finalize Recommendations Review each recommendation with its annotation before accepting it. Some appraisal questions require methodological judgment beyond the study text. After **SCA** runs, view appraised studies in **Critical Appraisal** or **Study Inspector**. Questions, answers, and comments display in the right panel. Review each question and answer, and view corresponding annotation by selecting the highlight icon and the numbered annotation. This will auto-scroll you to the section of the PDF.

A Smart Critical Appraisal recommendation with its supporting annotation highlighted in the full-text PDF. — Review each recommendation alongside its supporting annotation.

Select **Complete** when the assessment is fully reviewed. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ### FAQs

Does Smart Critical Appraisal overwrite answers entered manually?

No. **Smart Critical Appraisal** only generates for untouched studies. Existing answers and remaining blanks stay unchanged.

Can Smart Critical Appraisal appraise a study from its abstract if no full text is available?

No. **Smart Critical Appraisal** requires a full-text PDF. It skips studies without one.

What happens to the Overall judgment if I don't skip it?

**Smart Critical Appraisal** generates an overall judgment using typical practice. Skip it if your review uses different thresholds.

Can I run Smart Critical Appraisal with more than one system configured?

Yes. **Smart Critical Appraisal** matches each study to an appropriate configured system.

How many full-text generations does a nest include?

1,000 full-text generations per nest.

### Next Steps


Critical Appraisal	Choose a system and configure scope before generating.	Critical Appraisal
Appraise Studies	Assess included studies against your configured appraisal system.	Appraise Studies
Configure Critical Appraisal	Choose appraisal systems, reviewer mode, and appraisal scope.	Configure Critical Appraisal
Critical Appraisal Visuals	View stoplight diagrams and domain-distribution outputs.	Critical Appraisal Outputs

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