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EBP107 Evidence Based Practice

Step 2

Which Critical Appraisal Tool Should I Use?

A critical appraisal tool is a structured checklist that helps you judge whether a research study is trustworthy and relevant. Different study types require different tools.

Quick Guide: Match the Tool to the Study Type

Study Type Recommended Tool(s) Where to Find Them
Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) CASP RCT Checklist; JBI RCT Checklist CASP Checklists • JBI Critical Appraisal Tools
Cohort Study CASP Cohort; JBI Cohort CASP Checklists • JBI Tools
Case–Control Study CASP Case–Control; JBI Case–Control CASP Checklists • JBI Tools
Systematic Review CASP Systematic Review; JBI Systematic Review; PRISMA (for reporting context) CASP Checklists • JBI Tools • PRISMA 2020
Qualitative Study CASP Qualitative; JBI Qualitative CASP Checklists • JBI Tools
Diagnostic Accuracy (less common) CEBM Diagnostic Worksheet; JBI Diagnostic CEBM Worksheets • JBI Diagnostic

Which Tool Should I Start With?

  • CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme): A good starting point. Short and easy to use, with sections on validity, results, and relevance.
  • JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute): More detailed and technical. Covers specific areas of study design and bias for deeper analysis.
  • CEBM (Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine): Designed for diagnostic and quantitative studies. Includes clear worksheets to help interpret results.

Important Note About EQUATOR

EQUATOR provides reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA). These explain how research should be reported, but they are not appraisal tools. You can use them as background reading to understand what high-quality reporting looks like.