title: Evidence-based medicine, part 2. An introduction to critical appraisal of articles on therapy.
abstract: This article provides an introductory step-by-step process to appraise a therapeutic article. The authors introduce these principles using a systematic approach and case-based format. The process of assessing the validity of a therapeutic article, determining its importance, and applying it to an individual patient is reviewed. The concepts of randomization, blinding, and concealment are discussed to help physicians determine an article's validity. Instruction on calculating relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction, and number needed to treat is provided and applied to the clinical scenario. Finally, information that is learned from the previous two steps is applied to patient care. The skills learned from appraising a therapeutic article in the manner outlined provides a basis for life-long learning and improved patient care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2553, USA. rcardare@hsc.unt.edu
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cardarelli
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Virgilio
authors.forename: Lockwood
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D013812:Therapeutics