Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content ++Table Graphic Jump LocationTABLE 3.3Key Questions to Determine an Intervention Research Study's Applicability and QualityView Table||Download (.pdf) TABLE 3.3 Key Questions to Determine an Intervention Research Study's Applicability and Quality QUESTION YES/NO WHERE TO FIND THE INFORMATION COMMENTS AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR 1. Is the study's purpose relevant to my clinical question? __Yes __No Introduction (usuallyat the end) The study should clearly describe its purpose and/or hypothesis. Ideally, the stated purpose will contribute to answering your clinical question. 2. Is the study population (sample) sufficiently similar to my patient to justify the expectation that my patient would respond similarly to the population? __Yes __No Results section The study should provide descriptive statistics about pertinent study population demographics. Ideally, the study population would be relatively similar to your patient with regard to age, gender, problem severity, problem duration, co-morbidities, and other socio-demographic and medical conditions likely to affect the results of the study. 3. Are the inclusion and exclusion criteria clearly defined and would my patient qualify for the study? __Yes __No Methods section The study should provide a list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ideally, your patient would have characteristics that meet the eligibility criteria or at least be similar enough to the subjects. Remember, you will not find "the perfect study"! 4. Are the intervention and comparison/control groups receiving a realistic intervention? __Yes __No Methods (some post-study analysis about the intervention may be found in the Results) The study should clearly describe the treatment regimen provided to all groups. Ideally, the intervention can be reproduced in your clinical setting and the comparison/control is a realistic contrasting option or well-designed placebo. Consider the quality of the dose, duration, delivery method, setting, and qualifications of the therapists delivering the intervention. Could you implement this treatment in your setting? 5. Are the outcome measures relevant to the clinical question and were they conducted in a clinically realistic manner? __Yes __No Methods The study should describe the outcome measures used and the methods used to ensure their reliability and quality. Ideally, the outcome measures should relate to the clinical question and should include measures of quality of life, activity, and body structure and function. For diagnostic studies, it is important that the investigated measure is realistic for clinical use. 6. Were participants randomly assigned to intervention groups? __Yes __No Methods The study should describe how participants were assigned to groups. Randomization is a robust method for reducing bias. Computerized randomization in which the order of group assignment is concealed from investigators is the strongest method. 7. Is the sampling procedure (recruitment strategy) likely to minimize bias? __Yes __No Methods The study should describe how and from where participants were recruited. Consecutive recruitment, in which any participant who meets eligibility criteria is invited to join the study, is the strongest design. Studies in which the authors handpick participants may demonstrate the best effects of a specific treatment, but they will lack applicability across patient types.... Your Access profile is currently affiliated with [InstitutionA] and is in the process of switching affiliations to [InstitutionB]. Please select how you would like to proceed. Keep the current affiliation with [InstitutionA] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Switch affiliation to [InstitutionB] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Error: Incorrect UserName or Password Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Sign in Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth You already have access! Please proceed to your institution's subscription. Create a free profile for additional features.