Critically Appraised Topics

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT) are valuable tools for providers. Unlike a clinical practice pathway, a CAT answers one specific question. The EBP CAT development process follows:

• Submission of a specific question that emerges from a business or practice scenario.

• Medical librarians develop a search strategy and perform a literature search.

• Question originator determines which scientific literature will be appraised and evaluated for validity and applicability; EBP staff analyze the identified scientific literature.

• EBP staff member synthesize the literature.

• CAT is sent back to the question originator to support or change current practice.

• CAT is placed on the evidence-based practice website.

To enhance your understanding of GRADE terminology found in the Evidence-Based Practice departments synthesized literature.

Learn how to interpret a forest plot.