Critically Appraised Topics (CATs): One method of facilitating evidence-based practice in physiotherapy

Abstract

Summary A critically appraised topic (CAT) is a summary of the best available evidence, which answers a clinical question and includes a clinical ‘bottom-line’. A CAT is essentially patient-based, in that it begins with a clinical question generated from a specific patient situation or problem. As such, a CAT has direct relevance to clinicians, who may sometimes feel that the concepts of evidence-based medicine are idealistic and far removed from real clinical practice. This paper presents one method of helping to develop the skills of critical appraisal and present research findings in a clear and consistent manner, so that their clinical relevance may be understood and used to facilitate clinical decision-making. It discusses the essential steps in the formation of CATs and presents some examples, which were developed as part of a new module on evidence-based practice for physiotherapists. These examples are presented to show that the key components and uses of CATs are applicable to all physiotherapists, across all areas of practice. The use of CATs within physiotherapy practice offers a consistent method of critically appraising and summarising the results of research findings. Their formation, use and evaluation within the clinical environment offer one method of increasing confidence in understanding research as well as dissemination of important research findings within physiotherapy.