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Evidence searching and critical appraisal

Critically appraise a randomised controlled trial: bite-sized videos

Barts Health Knowledge and Library Services have created a series of bite-sized videos to take you through the process of critically appraising a randomised controlled trial. You can watch part 1 below or view the full playlist below.

View full playlist

If you want to follow a long and make your own notes you can download the CASP randomised controlled trial checklist, as well as others, from their website:

CASP Checklists

Using the CASP Checklist we critically appraise the following paper: Uchio Y, Enomoto H, Alev L, Kato Y, Ishihara H, Tsuji T, Ochiai T, Konno S. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial of duloxetine in Japanese patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. J Pain Res. 2018 Apr 18;11:809-821. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S164128. PMID: 29713194; PMCID: PMC5912377

Further help with critical appraisal

Librarian-led training

The library offers Critical Appraisal training for small groups or on a 1:1 basis. These can cover either the critical appraisal of a randomised controlled trial, or a qualitative study. We can also offer guidance on the critical appraisal of other types of studies. For more information please get in touch.

Request Training

Online resources and training from other organisations

If you want the skills to know what good evidence looks like, then you need to understand the basics of critical appraisal. It's not just essential for good evidence-based practice. It can enrich your own research and learning, and you can apply it to other areas of your life, in and out of work.