Remember – Critical discussion of the evidence is essential – simply stating what the guidelines or research trial said is not enough!
You should instead demonstrate your ability to evaluate the research methodology. Issues to consider may include:
o
Remember – Critical discussion of the evidence is essential – simply stating what the guidelines or research trial said is not enough!
You should instead demonstrate your ability to evaluate the research methodology. Issues to consider may include:
- What cohort size was the tested group?
- Who was the medication tested on and can this be related to your patient – was the sample of a similar age, have similar disease characteristics, same ethnic background, etc.?
- Was the trial conducted using a therapeutic dose?
- Also consider any possible bias evident e.g. sponsorship by drug companies
- If using local and/or national guidelines consider the extent to which they are current, are they supported by reliable evidence? Is there more recent research evidence that supports/does not support the guidelines?
Please comment on the impact of such issues on the reliability and validity of the research studies.
o Who was the medication tested on and can this be related to your patient – was the sample of a similar age, have similar disease characteristics, same ethnic background, etc.
o Was the trial conducted using a therapeutic dose?
o Also consider any possible bias evident e.g. sponsorship by drug companies
o If using local and/or national guidelines consider the extent to which they are current, are they supported by reliable evidence? Is there more recent research evidence that supports/does not support the guidelines?
Please comment on the impact of such issues on the reliability and validity of the research studies.
