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A basic thread on critical appraisal for those who don't know where to start/have low confidence.
Aiming to share links+resources here.
First, get ready for ACTIVE reading. Don't let the words just 'wash over you'. Be curious. Question. Don't assume it is the only truth.
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Aiming to share links+resources here.
First, get ready for ACTIVE reading. Don't let the words just 'wash over you'. Be curious. Question. Don't assume it is the only truth.
1/10
Think about the purpose of your reading. For example, is it to get a general idea of the topic, to learn a new method, to decide whether to change your practice?
This focuses your mind and helps you identify the key parts of the article that are relevant for you
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This focuses your mind and helps you identify the key parts of the article that are relevant for you
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[For a more basic resource that looks at the typical template and purpose of academic papers, look here
https://www.understandinghealthresearch.org/useful-information/how-to-read-a-scientific-paper-4 ]
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https://www.understandinghealthresearch.org/useful-information/how-to-read-a-scientific-paper-4 ]
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Notice whether the article is from a peer-reviewed journal, the expertise of the author and whether there are conflicts of interest.
This helps you understand the quality of the work and whether there may be bias. BUT, it is NOT a guarantee of flawless work...
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This helps you understand the quality of the work and whether there may be bias. BUT, it is NOT a guarantee of flawless work...
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Several famous studies in high quality journals have been retracted because of serious errors or fraud. The latest were in Lancet and NEJM and concerned Hydroxychloroquine use in Covid-19
@RetractionWatch keeps track of these in a database https://retractionwatch.com/2020/06/04/lancet-retracts-controversial-hydroxychloroquine-study/
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@RetractionWatch keeps track of these in a database https://retractionwatch.com/2020/06/04/lancet-retracts-controversial-hydroxychloroquine-study/
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Now for the detail. Have these Qs in mind when reading
Is the study valid?
What are the results?
Are the results useful?
Read more about this approach on the CASP website https://casp-uk.net/challenges-and-solutions/
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Is the study valid? What are the results? Are the results useful?Read more about this approach on the CASP website https://casp-uk.net/challenges-and-solutions/
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Is the study valid? This is tricky if you don't understand the different types of research study design.
Read more
if you need to.
Think about whether the design is suitable for the research question and the pros/cons of the method
https://www.cebm.net/2014/04/study-designs/
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Read more
if you need to.Think about whether the design is suitable for the research question and the pros/cons of the method
https://www.cebm.net/2014/04/study-designs/
7/10
Each type of study has a risk of bias, this is worth thinking about because it has an unconscious affect on the results, which means they are less dependable.
Find out more about the types of research bias here
https://www.understandinghealthresearch.org/useful-information/common-sources-of-bias-2
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Find out more about the types of research bias here
https://www.understandinghealthresearch.org/useful-information/common-sources-of-bias-2
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Once you know the study design it is easier to begin analysing the work.
CASP checklists are free, easy to use educational tools to help you analyse the research. Each contains helpful Qs to help you decide about validity and usefulness. Try it!
https://casp-uk.net/casp-tools-checklists/
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CASP checklists are free, easy to use educational tools to help you analyse the research. Each contains helpful Qs to help you decide about validity and usefulness. Try it!
https://casp-uk.net/casp-tools-checklists/
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Using the checklist will help you answer Qs in 6/10. The process ends by considering the relevance of the study for your practice + consequences if you were to adopt.
More on this another time!
The more you practice critical analysis, the faster/easier it becomes.
10/10
More on this another time!
The more you practice critical analysis, the faster/easier it becomes.
10/10
