Chapter 3 – Critical Appraisal of the Literature, 2500 words. The process of
carefully and
systematically
examining research
papers, reports and
articles to judge their
trustworthiness, value
and relevance to a
particular clinical
question and/or
context.
This chapter should demonstrate an ability to critically appraise and synthesise the
evidence. There should be a clear decision making trail through this chapter leading to
judgements on the quality of the evidence and hence what evidence can be discussed in
relation to promoting evidence based practice. This chapter should include an evaluation
of the overall body of literature as well as critiques of key individual studies.
In summary:
selection of the key papers
critically discuss relevant research methodology, approaches and methods used in
the literature retrieved using a thematic and integrated approach throughout
identification of a hierarchy of evidence
ethical issues considered
