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Evidence-Based Practice

Learn how to define and search for the common types of high level evidence used in clinical research

Study Designs

The first step in critical appraisal of evidence is understanding the type of study you are appraising.  These  guides can help you learn about the different types of study designs you may find in your research:

Study Designs in Health Research
(Deakin University Library)

Which Review Is That? A Guide to Review Types
(University of Melbourne Library)

Critical Appraisal Tools

Critical appraisal tools or checklists are designed to guide you through the appraisal process.

Use one that:

  • fits best with the study you are appraising
  • is reliable, well-known or otherwise validated
  • you understand and are comfortable using

Some well-known tools/checklists are:

CASP Checklists JBI Appraisal Tools
CEBM Appraisal Tools SIGN Checklists
EQUATOR Network guides BMJ Best Practice checklists