Teaching critical appraisal and statistics in anesthesia journal club.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a series of journal clubs held for anesthesiology residents in promoting their awareness of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as their skills in critical thinking and appraisal.


METHODS
Twenty-four journal club sessions were held between September 2006 and August 2007 for 16 residents of anesthesiology. A 31 multiple-choice question (MCQ) was taken as pretest and posttest to evaluate the participants' level of awareness in research methodology and statistical analysis. Their competence in critical thinking and appraisal was also evaluated by evaluating a randomized controlled trial paper using the CONSORT checklist before and after the course.


RESULTS
Residents' awareness in the application of information improved (P = 0.012), as well as research methodology (combined study design and application of information, P = 0.017). Their ability in critical appraisal did also significantly rise at the end of the course (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Journal clubs can enable residents to develop the knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm needed to undertake research plans and can also enhance their ability in critical thinking and scientific reading.
Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
R S
RS
Moharari
E
E
Rahimi
A
A
Najafi
P
P
Khashayar
M R
MR
Khajavi
A P
AP
Meysamie
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011932:Reading; D012107:Research Design; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013850:Thinking