TDNet Discover

Evaluating evidence that you find through the research process is essential.

Not all studies or publications are equal.

Questions to ask yourself as you read abstracts and summaries:

1. Is this article/study relevant to my clinical question or inquiry?

2. Is the research or study design of quality?

• was the research systematic?
• did the researcher(s) follow a strict protocol?
• did the author/research report and discuss all available evidence/data at the time of publication?

The Info graph below: The Level of Evidence Pyramid assists in understanding types of research and visualize both the quality and volume of the types of evidence on the pyramid. 

"The quality of evidence drives the strength of recommendation, which is one of the last translational steps of research, most proximal to patient care."-