How to interpret a scientific paper and make your own conclusions

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PLEASE NOTE: The publication which we will be reviewing during the critical appraisal workshop can be located at the following link: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/322/7302/1571.

Please pre-read the journal prior to attending the workshop and if possible, also bring a copy with you on the day.

Authors:
Aruni Mulgirigama and Craig Beck

Presenters:

Craig Beck
Medical and Scientific Relations, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK

Imran Khan
Medical and Scientific Relations, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK

Abstract
Aims: Do you read the abstract and think you’ve read the paper? We will take you through the process of reading a scientific paper from title to discussion so that you can make your own conclusions.

Methods: The format of the workshop will be a combination of an interactive presentation session (40 minutes), small group exercise in evaluating a clinical paper (critical appraisal) (15 minutes) followed by small group feedback with whole group discussion (20 minutes).

Results: Critical appraisal is the process of systematically assessing and interpreting research studies by asking three key questions: Is the study valid? Are the results reliable? Can I generalise from this study to my workplace? Critical appraisal is an essential part of evidence-based
practice and allows us to assess the quality of research and decide whether a study is good enough to be used to change practise.

Conclusions: During the workshop, there would be plenty of opportunity for questions to be asked. We would like you to have greater confidence critical appraisal after attending the workshop, allowing you to practice evidence-based medicine.

Source of funding: Pfizer Ltd, UK.

Declaration of interest: none

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About the presenters

Craig obtained a Pharmacology degree and a PhD in respiratory pharmacology from the University of Bath. He has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for the past 8 years in scientific research,
pharmacovigilance, clinical research and medical and scientific relations.

Imran completed his PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology from GKT School of Medicine, and published eleven peer-reviewed articles and reviews during this time. Imran joined Pfizer’s Regulatory Affairs department in 2006 and his role involved the maintenance of product licences in the UK for a diverse variety of products. Maintenance of these licences involved using an evidence based approach to justify the inclusion of safety-related information in documents intended for both healthcare
professionals and patients. Imran then joined the Medical and Scientific Relations team in January 2010 working within the Cardiovascular and Respiratory team.