Clinical expertise refers to the clinician’s cumulated experience, education and clinical skills. The patient brings to the encounter his or her own personal preferences and unique concerns, expectations, and values. The best research evidence is usually found in clinically relevant research that has been conducted using sound methodology. (Sackett D, 2002)
Use Boston University's Finding Information Framework to select appropriate resources:
These resources are good for background or summary information. A bit less appraisal needed (but always look with a critical eye).
These resources require a good search. Not missing relevant research is just as important as finding some relevant research!
Not all evidence is created equal. A critical appraisal is needed...
Ask of each paper:
- Is the study valid?
- What are the results?
- Are the results relevant?
In terms of strength of evidence, it is the validity of a piece of evidence that is important. The validity of a study is the extent to which its design and conduct are likely to prevent systematic errors or bias. Therefore, the more valid a piece of evidence, the greater its strength and the more secure you can feel making treatment decisions based on it.
Richards D. Not all evidence is created equal — so what is good evidence? Evid Based Dent. 2003;4(1):17-18. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6400160