Lecture 31 - Critical appraisal

Question 1

What is critical appraisal

Answer 1

Critical appraisal is the process of carefully and systematically examining research to judge its trustworthiness and its values and relevance in particular context

Question 2

Why is critical appraisal important?

Answer 2

• Large amount of literature to read
• Helps keep up to date with evidence
• Important skill for various degrees and profession
• Essential for peer-review processes
• Aids in evidence based decision making in professional and personal life

Question 3

Abstract

Answer 3

• Provides a summary of the paper contents
• Includes the mains findings

Question 4

Introduction

Answer 4

• Provides background to this research
• What as already known on the subject
• What they wanted to investigate with this study
• Aims and objectives of this study

Question 5

Methods

Answer 5

• Selection of participants
• Structure of the study
• Definitions of exposures and outcomes measured
• How demographics, exposure and outcome were measured
• Methods used to control for confounding and for statistical analysis

Question 6

Tables and figures

Answer 6

• Table 1

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

-Reporting of all results in text, tables and figures
- Assessment of chance, bias and confounding

Question 8

Discussion

Answer 8

• Strengths and challenges experienced during the research study
• Evidence for causation
• The researchers assessment of the implications of the results
• Important of this information

Question 9

Conclusion

Answer 9

Not always included but usually outcome what this study adds to current knowledge and where to from here

Question 10

References and acknowledgements

Answer 10

References: A list of research papers referred to in this paper
Acknowledgements: thanks to contributors

Question 11

Frameworks for critical appraisal

Answer 11

• Gate frame : visual framework for organising study
• PECOT: Help structure critical questions

Question 12

Internal validity and Guidelines

Answer 12

• Internal validity: how well study avoids bias, confounding and change
• Key criteria to assess causality

Question 13

Tips for success in Critical appraisal

Answer 13

• Active reading
• Take notes while reading paper
• Use gate and pecot framework