EBDM Worksheet: Critical Appraisal of the Evidence
Write your PICO question here:
Choose the ONE article of the highest level of evidence that is the most appropriate for your PICO question. Critically appraise the article by answering the following questions.
Article citation
What is the purpose of this study? Write the purpose statement or hypothesis of the study (HINT: look at the last paragraph of the Introduction):
Appraise the internal validity: Are the results of the study valid?
1. What was measured in the study, and how was it measured?
2. Were patients randomized to control and treatment groups in the study? How?
3. Was the study retrospective or prospective? If two groups were compared, were the groups similar?
4. Was the study described clearly enough that you could repeat it?
5. Name one potential source of bias in the study.
Give TWO main results of the study.
Appraise the external validity: Will this study help me in caring for my patient?
1. Is your patient the same or different from the patients in the study? How?
2. Is the treatment/intervention in the study feasible in your dental office?
3. Will the potential benefits of the treatment outweigh the potential harm(s) to your patient?
Does this study directly answer your PICO question?
If the answer is NO, how is the study useful to your patient? In other words, why did you choose this article?