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Worksheet for Using an Article About Harm/Etiology
Worksheet: PDF (printable worksheet) WORD (fill in on-line)
Citation:
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Are the Results of the Study Valid?
1. Were there clearly identified comparison groups that were similar with respect to important determinants of outcome, other than the one of interest?
RCT, cohort, base-control?
Other known prognosis factors similar or adjusted for?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
2. Were the outcomes and exposures measured in the same way in the groups being compared?
Recall bias? Interviewer bias?
Exposure opportunity similar?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
3. Was follow-up sufficiently long and complete?
Reasons for incomplete follow-up?
Risk factors similar in those lost and not lost to follow-up?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
4. Is the temporal relationship correct?
Exposure preceded outcome?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
6. Is there a dose-reponse gradient?
Risk of outcome increases with quantity or duration of exposure?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
7. Overall, are the results of the study valid?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
What were the Results?
1. How strong is the association between exposure and outcome?
RR's or OR's?
2. How precise are the estimates of risk?
Confidence intervals?
Will the Results Help Me in Caring for My Patients?
1. Are the results applicable to my practice?
Patients similar for demographics, severity, co-morbidity, and other prognostic factors?
Are treatments and exposures similar?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
2. What is the magnitude of the risk?
Absolute risk increase (and its reciprocal)?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell
3. Should I attempt to stop the exposure?
Strength of evidence?
Magnitude of risk?
Adverse effects of reducing exposure?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Can't Tell