title: Critically appraised topics.
abstract: This article describes the critically appraised topic (CAT) as a means to disseminate evidence from research literature to rehabilitation professionals. A CAT is a standardized, one-page summary of research evidence organized around a clinical question. A CAT includes a clinical bottom line that reflects synthesis of a research article and clinical application of the results. The synthesis includes a critique of the internal, external, and statistical validity of the research. The process of writing CATs has been used in the preparation of evidence-based practitioners. Commonly used websites for preparation and posting of CATs are included as well as an example of a CAT on the topic of cerebral palsy.
authors.affiliation: Programs in Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA. fetters@bu.edu
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fetters
authors.forename: Elyonara M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.forename: Devon
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keane-Miller
authors.forename: Debra J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: McSweeney
authors.forename: Cheng-Chi
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Tsao