A Critical Appraisal Topic (CAT) paper is a structured summary of research evidence focused on answering a specific clinical or research question.
A CAT paper typically includes:
A Clear Research Question: Often framed using the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format.
Search Strategy: A summary of how relevant studies were identified.
Critical Appraisal: An evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, and validity of the selected studies.
Summary of Findings: A concise synthesis of the evidence and its implications for practice.
Conclusion & Application: How the findings can be applied in real-world settings.
P (Patient/Population) – Define the specific group or condition you are studying.
I (Intervention) – Identify the treatment, procedure, or exposure being considered.
C (Comparison) – Determine an alternative intervention or standard practice for comparison (if applicable).
O (Outcome) – Specify the expected result or effect of the intervention.
Example PICO question:
"In adults with chronic lower back pain (P), does yoga therapy (I) compared to physical therapy (C) improve pain management and mobility (O)?"
Research Question: Define the key question guiding the search.
Databases Used: List the databases searched (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR).
Keywords & Search Terms: Include the specific terms, synonyms, and Boolean operators used.
Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria: Explain what studies were included or excluded (e.g., publication date, study type).
Search Filters: Detail any filters applied, such as language, peer-reviewed sources, or study design.
Search Results: Summarize the number of studies found and how they were selected for review.
Citation Management: Mention tools used to organize references (e.g., Zotero, EndNote).
Study Overview: Brief summary of the study, including its purpose and key findings.
Strengths: Highlight aspects such as robust methodology, large sample size, or strong statistical analysis.
Weaknesses: Identify limitations like small sample size, potential biases, or lack of generalizability.
Validity & Reliability: Assess whether the study’s conclusions are supported by sound evidence and reproducible results
What the Evidence says
Key Findings: A brief overview of the most important results from the research.
Patterns & Trends: Highlight any recurring themes or significant trends observed in the data.
Strength of Evidence: Indicate the reliability and validity of the findings, referencing study quality.
Implications for Practice: Explain how the findings can be applied in real-world settings or influence decision-making.
Limitations: Acknowledge any constraints or gaps in the research that may affect interpretation.
What we do with the evidence
Summarize Findings – Restate key results clearly.
Assess Evidence Strength – Evaluate reliability and validity.
Identify Patterns – Highlight recurring themes.
Address Limitations – Acknowledge gaps and biases.
Suggest Further Research – Recommend future studies.
Apply to Practice – Connect findings to real-world use.
Consider Implementation – Identify challenges and solutions.
Evaluate Impact – Discuss benefits and risks.
Adjust for Effectiveness – Offer practical recommendations.
Ensure Long-Term Improvement – Suggest ongoing evaluation.