2 Critical Appraisal of research evidence- appraisal of specific designs Flashcards
What is the outcome measure for a case control study?
Odds ratio
What is the only type of study that we can infer a causal relationship from?
Randomised control trials
When appraising a case-control study, what are we most concerned about? What questions should we be asking?
- Study represents population of interest?
- All cases well defined? Is there a clear ‘case’ definition?
- Clear aim of study?
- Clearly defined controls? Risk of misclassification?
- Response rate and drop out rate?
- Confounding discussed?
- Number of cases justified?
What are we most concerned about when appraising a cohort study? What questions should we be asking?
- How was cohort recruited?
- Aim of study?
- How exposure and outcome measured?
- How can we be sure participants were outcome free at the start?
- Follow up period long enough?
When appraising a RCT, what are we most concerned about?
What are the key questions we should be asking when appraising a randomised control trial?
- Quality of randomisation?
- Are the groups comparable at baseline?
- Blinding appropriate?
- Loss to follow up (flow chart=ideal when and how many) ?
- How outcomes measured and when?
- Was the outcome intention to treat or as treated?
What are systematic reviews useful for?
Brings together findings from many studies and provides accessible overview
Can include meta-analysis
(May be narrative or analytical. Narrative to just draw a larger conclusion)
What question should we be asking when appraising a systematic review? (CASP framework)
