Evaluating Research for Clinical Significance: Using Critically Appraised Topics to Enhance Evidence-based Neuropsychology
- 7 March 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in The Clinical Neuropsychologist
- Vol. 28 (4), 653-668
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2013.776636
Abstract
Meehl’s (1973, Psychodiagnosis: Selected papers. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press) distinction between statistical and clinical significance holds special relevance for evidence-based neuropsychological practice. Meehl argued that despite attaining statistical significance, many published findings have limited practical value since they do not inform clinical care. In the context of an ever expanding clinical research literature, accessible methods to evaluate clinical impact are needed. The method of Critically Appraised Topics (Straus, Richardson, Glasziou, & Haynes, 2011, Evidence-based medicine: How to practice and teach EBM (4th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill-Livingstone) was developed to provide clinicians with a “toolkit” to facilitate implementation of evidence-based practice. We illustrate the Critically Appraised Topics method using a dementia screening example. We argue that the skills practiced through critical appraisal provide clinicians with methods to: (1) evaluate the clinical relevance of new or unfamiliar research findings with a focus on patient benefit, (2) help focus of research quality, and (3) incorporate evaluation of clinical impact into educational and professional development activities.Keywords
This publication has 31 references indexed in Scilit:
- Neuropsychology 3.0: Evidence-Based Science and PracticeJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 2010
- Evidence-Based Research and Practice in Clinical NeuropsychologyThe Clinical Neuropsychologist, 2010
- The diagnostic utility of multiple-level likelihood ratiosJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 2009
- Bayes’ theorem and diagnostic tests in neuropsychology: Interval estimates for post-test probabilitiesThe Clinical Neuropsychologist, 2009
- Construct Validity: Advances in Theory and MethodologyAnnual Review of Clinical Psychology, 2009
- The Test Validation SummaryAssessment, 2008
- Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) statement: guidelines for reporting observational studiesBMJ, 2007
- Evidence based practice in postgraduate healthcare education: A systematic reviewBMC Health Services Research, 2007
- The prevalence of dementia: A quantitative integration of the literatureActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 1987
- Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's diseaseNeurology, 1984