Students are often asked to evaluate resources using the CRAP tool: Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose.

But in the Evidence-Based Practice process, and especially in the process of evaluating primary research, we need to go beyond that to also critically appraise certain aspects of the evidence. Even when we have found a study that is the right sort of study for our clinical question, and is of the appropriate level in the hierarchy, we still need to question its relevance, validity, and conclusions. We need to ask:

• Does the study address a clearly focused question?
• Did the study use valid methods to address the question? (How well was the study done?)
• What do the results mean and are they statistically valid (and not just due to chance)?
• Are the (valid) results of the study important?
• Can I apply these (valid important) results to my patient/population?

The CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) website puts this another way. It talks about the need to evaluate ...

• relevance
• trustworthiness
• results.

... but it also emphasises that the process of, and tools for, critical appraisal, might vary according to the type of study/research.

To learn more have a look at What is Being Appraised? in the Evidence Based Practice Library Guide.

Understanding Health Research: A Tool for Making Sense of Health Studies 

This site from UK helps you interpert and evaluate a published health research paper.

The Review a Study module guides you through a series of questions about a piece of research you have found, and helps you to evaluate the quality of the research.

The Useful Information Page will help you understand the some of different terminology and concepts used in health research.

Evidence Based Practice Learning Modules from NSW Health

These Learning Modules have been developed to support NSW Health clinicians gain skills to integrate the best available evidence into practice. Each Learning Module covers a different aspects of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).