Critically Appraised Topic Paper

Points

Section

Comments

Score

10

Step 1. Background: What is the context of the question? Why is it important? Who are the stakeholders?

10

Step 2. Formulating the CAT question: What does the CAT answer? What are the PICOC elements?

10

Step 3. Defining inclusion criteria: Which studies will be included or excluded? How were these decisions made?

10

Step 4. Search strategy: How should the studies be sought? Where did you look and what time period? Did you document the search?

10

Step 5. Study selection: How did you select the studies? What process was followed?

10

Step 6. Data extraction: What information should be extracted? Did you provide a descriptive summary table?

10

Step 7. Critical appraisal: How should the quality of the studies be judged? Did you discuss methodological appropriateness? Effect sizes?

10

Step 8. Results: What were common definitions of concepts? How are variables linked causally? What are the main research findings?

10

Step 9. Conclusion What is your evidence-based conclusion/answer to your CAT topic?

10

Step 10. Limitations What is known and not known on your topic? What are the limitations of the research data?

10

Step 11. Implications and recommendations. Is the evidence supportive? Any benefits or harms? What factors impede or facilitate the effects?

10

Overall Quality (clarity, coverage, format, grammar, etc.)

120

Total Points =