Table of Contents  
WEBWISE
Year : 2013  |  Volume : 4  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 76-77  

Critical appraisal skills programme

Jatinder Singh
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Amritsar, India

Date of Web Publication22-Feb-2013

Correspondence Address:
Jatinder Singh
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Amritsar
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/0976-500X.107697

Rights and Permissions
How to cite this article:
Singh J. Critical appraisal skills programme. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2013;4:76-7

How to cite this URL:
Singh J. Critical appraisal skills programme. J Pharmacol Pharmacother [serial online] 2013 [cited 2018 Dec 10];4:76-7. Available from: http://www.jpharmacol.com/text.asp?2013/4/1/76/107697



http://www.casp-uk.net/

The exponential growth of the availability of collected scientific information has made the task of finding the necessary evidence difficult and increasingly complicated. A methodological approach coupled with the right tools and skills to match these methods is essential for finding meaningful results. The internet has redefined and simplified search capabilities of individuals by ensuring the availability of various databases of systematic reviews, bibliographic databases, and the vast amount of published and unpublished literature concealed in various niches of the World Wide Web.

Critical appraisal skills are important in order to "sift the grain from the chaff." These skills help in making sense of research methodologies, ensuring reliability, and for drawing the right conclusions in a particular situation. Study designs are subject to a number of variables that introduce bias and it is highly recommended to use an array of standardized checklists to decide the quality of the study.

One of the earliest efforts at developing a formal methodology for critical appraisal was the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) developed in Oxford in 1993 by Dr. Amanda Burls. The program has now evolved into an international network with branches in many countries, including India.

The website of the program (www.casp-uk.net) is a virtual platform for all that CASP stands for. The homepage of the website leads on to the CASP approach of Find, Appraise, and Act. Finding the evidence is further explained and focuses on searching various types of sources that include secondary sources, bibliographic resources, and gray literature. Examples of these sources are quoted along with their scope and major limitations.

The section on Appraising the evidence lays stress on finding out the reliability of scientific articles and their unbiasedness. Methods of critical reading that lay stress on validity of studies, importance of results, and their application to the research needs are explained. Various standardized checklists can be downloaded from a link on this page. The page on "Acting on the Evidence" explores as to what extent we can apply the findings of a study to our own situation, practical issues that affect the study, and the applicability in the local context. Patient-centered decision making is also explained and its importance in the context of evidence is explored.

Separate checklists, each comprising 10-12 questions each, are available for the appraisal of Randomized Controlled Trials, Systematic Reviews, Cohort Studies, Case-Control Studies, Qualitative Studies, Economic Evaluations, Diagnostic Studies, and Clinical Prediction Rule. These lists are wide-ranging and lend direction to any researcher who embarks on a study or has questions regarding its outcomes. These checklists which allow a structured approach to finding evidence have the potential to improve the quality of an individual's study plan and could be used to screen out research that is of low quality. Although less comprehensive than the methodology followed by Consort Group (www.consort-statement.org), the CASP guidelines are easier to follow, especially for the novice researcher.

Two checklists that have a definite edge over other similar lists are the Diagnostic Checklist and the Economic Evaluation checklist. The more prevalent STARD (Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) website (www.stard-statement.org) provides a detailed checklist and an intricate flowchart; however, the 12-question CASP Diagnostic checklist is easier to follow and implement. Similarly the CASP Economic Evaluation checklist is unique and provides a simple and easy-to-implement algorithm for economic evaluation of a research study.

Conducting training for scientists and clinicians working in various spheres is one of the major activities of CASP, especially after it became a not-for-profit international entity. The webpage pertaining to workshops gives details of the methodology adapted for training, the calendar of forthcoming events, and the opinion of different individuals who have attended these proceedings. An exclusive function carried out by the training team is to train the trainers, who in turn spread the message to others by imparting critical appraisal skills.

The CASP propagates a systematic process through which the strengths and weaknesses of a research study can be identified. Adherence to this process enhances the usefulness of a study and its findings. It also helps in assessing study design and the applicability of studies to a local perspective in the most economical manner.

CASP is recommended for new researchers and those who wish to have quick, simple, and easy-to-understand tools for answering common questions regarding a scientific study.



This article has been cited by
1 The role of mental health nurses in supporting young people’s mental health: a review of the literature
Jessica Louise Arnold,Charley Baker
Mental Health Review Journal. 2018; 23(3): 197
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours in African Migrant Women Living in High Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Framework Synthesis
Lem Ngongalah,Judith Rankin,Tim Rapley,Adefisayo Odeniyi,Zainab Akhter,Nicola Heslehurst
Nutrients. 2018; 10(8): 1017
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
3 Motor skills and internalizing problems throughout development: An integrative research review and update of the environmental stress hypothesis research
Vincent Mancini,Daniela Rigoli,Lynne Roberts,Jan Piek
Research in Developmental Disabilities. 2018;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
4 Towards understanding interindividual differences in stressor appraisals: A systematic review
Christopher J. Kilby,Kerry A. Sherman,Viviana Wuthrich
Personality and Individual Differences. 2018; 135: 92
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
5 Disability inclusive elections in Africa: a systematic review of published and unpublished literature
Bhavisha Virendrakumar,Emma Jolley,Eric Badu,Elena Schmidt
Disability & Society. 2018; : 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
6 Transitions as experienced by persons in palliative care circumstances and their families – a qualitative meta-synthesis
André Fringer,Mareike Hechinger,Wilfried Schnepp
BMC Palliative Care. 2018; 17(1)
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
7 Blood donation barriers and facilitators of Sub-Saharan African migrants and minorities in Western high-income countries: a systematic review of the literature
E. F. Klinkenberg,E. M. J. Huis in æt Veld,P. D. de Wit,A. van Dongen,J. G. Daams,W. L. A. M. de Kort,M. P. Fransen
Transfusion Medicine. 2018;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
8 The associations between training load and baseline characteristics on musculoskeletal injury and pain in endurance sport populations: A systematic review
R. Johnston,R. Cahalan,M. O’Keeffe,K. O’Sullivan,T. Comyns
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2018;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
9 Does Having a Culturally Competent Health Care Provider Affect the Patients’ Experience or Satisfaction? A Critically Appraised Topic
Miranda Brunett,René Revis Shingles
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2018; : 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
10 Health-promoting leadership: An integrative review and future research agenda
Kristin Akerjordet,Trude Furunes,Annie Haver
Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2018;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
11 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of CBT Interventions Based on the Fennell Model of Low Self-Esteem
Daniel C. Kolubinski,Daniel Frings,Ana V. Nikcevic,Jacqueline A. Lawrence,Marcantonio M. Spada
Psychiatry Research. 2018;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
12 All-ceramic inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses for replacing posterior missing teeth: A systematic review
Raquel Castillo-Oyagüe,Rocío Sancho-Esper,Christopher D. Lynch,María-Jesús Suárez-García
Journal of Prosthodontic Research. 2017;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
13 A Qualitative Assessment of the Evidence Utilization for Health Policy-Making on the Basis of SUPPORT Tools in a Developing Country
Mohammad Hasan Imani-Nasab,Hesam Seyedin,Bahareh Yazdizadeh,Reza Majdzadeh
International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 2017; 6(8): 457
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
14 Existing reporting guidelines for clinical trials are not completely relevant for implantable medical devices: a systematic review
Anne-France Motte,Stéphanie Diallo,Hélène van den Brink,Constance Châteauvieux,Carole Serrano,Carole Naud,Julie Steelandt,Jean-Marc Alsac,Pierre Aubry,Florence Cour,Olivier Pellerin,Judith Pineau,Patrice Prognon,Isabelle Borget,Brigitte Bonan,Nicolas Martelli
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 2017;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
15 Honoring the voices of bereaved caregivers: a Metasummary of qualitative research
Lorraine Holtslander,Sharon Baxter,Kelly Mills,Sarah Bocking,Tina Dadgostari,Wendy Duggleby,Vicky Duncan,Peter Hudson,Agatha Ogunkorode,Shelley Peacock
BMC Palliative Care. 2017; 16(1)
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
16 The effect of surface instability on the differential activation of muscle activity in low back pain patients as compared to healthy individuals: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis
F. Ehsani,A.M. Arab,Shapour Jaberzadeh
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2017; : 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
17 Understanding acceptability of and engagement with Web-based interventions aiming to improve quality of life in cancer survivors: A synthesis of current research
Teresa Corbett,Karmpaul Singh,Liz Payne,Katherine Bradbury,Claire Foster,Eila Watson,Alison Richardson,Paul Little,Lucy Yardley
Psycho-Oncology. 2017;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
18 An Integrative Review of Interventions to Support Parents When Managing Their Childæs Pain at Home
Roses Parker,Stephen McKeever,Theresa Wiseman,Alison Twycross
Pain Management Nursing. 2017;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
19 Factors Associated With Unhealthy Snacks Consumption Among Adolescents in Iran’s Schools
Vahid Yazdi Feyzabadi,Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi,Nasrin Omidvar,Akram Karimi-Shahanjarini,Saharnaz Nedjat,Arash Rashidian
International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 2017; 6(9): 519
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
20 Patterns of unmet needs in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors: in their own words
Alex W. K. Wong,Ting-ting Chang,Katrina Christopher,Stephen C. L. Lau,Lynda K. Beaupin,Brad Love,Kim L. Lipsey,Michael Feuerstein
Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2017;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
21 Using online social networks to track a pandemic: A systematic review
Mohammed Ali Al-garadi,Muhammad Sadiq Khan,Kasturi Dewi Varathan,Ghulam Mujtaba,Abdelkodose M. Al-Kabsi
Journal of Biomedical Informatics. 2016; 62: 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
22 Tools to assess risk of bias in systematic reviews of nursing intervention in China: Global implications of the findings
Juxia Zhang,Jiancheng Wang,Lin Han,Xin Cao,Linda Shields
Nursing Outlook. 2016;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
23 Perceptions of risks for diabetes-related complications in Type 2 diabetes populations: a systematic review
T. Rouyard,S. Kent,R. Baskerville,J. Leal,A. Gray
Diabetic Medicine. 2016;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
24 Friendships and Intimate Relationships among People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Thematic Synthesis
Casey Fulford,Virginie Cobigo
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2016;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
25 The Role of Scapular Kinematics in Patients with Different Shoulder Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review Approach
Roshanak Keshavarz,Siamak Bashardoust Tajali,Seyed Mohsen Mir,Hossein Ashrafi
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2016;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
26 Factors influencing cancer treatment decision-making by indigenous peoples: a systematic review
Rona Tranberg,Susan Alexander,Deborah Hatcher,Sandra Mackey,Shaouli Shahid,Lynda Holden,Cannas Kwok
Psycho-Oncology. 2016; 25(2): 131
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
27 Factors influencing breastfeeding exclusivity during the first 6 months of life in developing countries: a quantitative and qualitative systematic review
Olukunmi Omobolanle Balogun,Amarjagal Dagvadorj,Kola Mathew Anigo,Erika Ota,Satoshi Sasaki
Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2015; 11(4): 433
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
28 Subdural hematomas: glutaric aciduria type 1 or abusive head trauma? A systematic review
Marloes E. M. Vester,Rob A. C. Bilo,Wouter A. Karst,Joost G. Daams,Wilma L. J. M. Duijst,Rick R. van Rijn
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology. 2015; 11(3): 405
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
29 Cost-minimization analysis of imipenem/cilastatin versus meropenem in moderate to severe infections at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia
Imraan Joosub,Andy Gray,Analyn Crisostomo,Abdul Salam
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 2015; 23(6): 626
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
30 The methodological quality assessment tools for preclinical and clinical studies, systematic review and meta-analysis, and clinical practice guideline: a systematic review
Xiantao Zeng,Yonggang Zhang,Joey S.W. Kwong,Chao Zhang,Sheng Li,Feng Sun,Yuming Niu,Liang Du
Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. 2015; 8(1): 2
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
31 Practice-level quality improvement interventions in primary care: a review of systematic reviews
Ryan Irwin,Tim Stokes,Tom Marshall
Primary Health Care Research & Development. 2015; 16(06): 556
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
32 How to encourage intrinsic motivation in the clinical teaching environment?: a systematic review from the self-determination theory
Cesar Orsini,Phillip Evans,Oscar Jerez
Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions. 2015; 12: 8
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 
Top
  
 
  Search
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
    Access Statistics
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  

 
  In this article

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed13777    
    Printed85    
    Emailed1    
    PDF Downloaded3349    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 32    

Recommend this journal
Sitemap | What's New | Feedback | Disclaimer
© Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
New site online since 10th April, 2010