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How to write a Critically Appraised Topic: evidence to underpin routine clinical practice
Author(s) -
Callander J.,
Anstey A.V.,
Ingram J.R.,
Limpens J.,
Flohr C.,
Spuls P.I.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.15873
Subject(s) - critical appraisal , quality (philosophy) , clinical practice , medline , evidence based medicine , medicine , section (typography) , alternative medicine , quality of evidence , critically ill , patient care , evidence based practice , medical education , psychology , family medicine , computer science , nursing , pathology , intensive care medicine , epistemology , meta analysis , philosophy , political science , law , operating system
Summary Critically appraised topics ( CAT s) are essential tools for busy clinicians who wish to ensure that their daily clinical practice is underpinned by evidence‐based medicine. CAT s are short summaries of the most up‐to‐date, high‐quality available evidence that is found using thorough structured methods. They can be used to answer specific, patient‐orientated questions that arise recurrently in real‐life practice. This article provides readers with a detailed guide to performing their own CAT s. It is split into four main sections reflecting the four main steps involved in performing a CAT : formulation of a focused question, a search for the most relevant and highest‐quality evidence, critical appraisal of the evidence and application of the results back to the patient scenario. As well as helping to improve patient care on an individual basis by answering specific clinical questions that arise, CAT s can help spread and share knowledge with colleagues on an international level through publication in the evidence‐based dermatology section of the British Journal of Dermatology .