1.4 Introduction to Research & Evidence (R&E) Page

Question 1

Evidence based practice

Answer 1

An integration of specific and up-to-date research evidence in collaboration with clinical expertise. This is in the context of patient values and circumstances.

Question 2

What are characteristics of good clinical research

Answer 2

1. Accuracy and precision of diagnostic tests
2. Power of prognostic markers
3. Efficacy and safety of therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventative strategies

Question 3

How do we interact with literature searches?

Answer 3

1. Critically appraise the validity and reliability of quantitative and qualitative measures
2. Assess the relevance
   Apply clinical research to practice

Question 4

Why do patient preferences need to be considered during consult?

Answer 4

1. Patients contribute information about their, previous experiences, values, expectations, preferences for treatment.

Question 5

What factors influence the manner in which practice related questions are approached?

Answer 5

-Culture
-Setting
-Resources
-Politics

Question 6

Why is evidence based medicine important?

Answer 6

-Assistance during clinical consultation
-High volume of research permits this
-For timely implementation of best research in a clinical context
-Patients receive the safest and most effective treatments

Question 7

Why is evidence based practice important for physiotherapists and policy makers?

Answer 7

1. Physiotherapists- Best treatments are informed by vital checks published in the literature.
2. Decisions on health funding can be evidence based

Question 8

What are the 5 steps of evidence based practice?

Answer 8

1. Formulate research questions
2. Locate best evidence
3. Appraisal of evidence for validity, reliability, impact and application.
4. Integration of evidence with unique patient preferences and clinical expertise
5. Evaluation of effectiveness of the aforementioned steps for the specific research question.

Question 9

The five As

Answer 9

1. Ask a question
2. Access the best evidence
3. Appraise the evidence
4. Apply the evidence
5. Assess the impact