Practical guide to efficient analysis and diagramming articles.
OBJECTIVE
In a busy practice, time is a commodity in rare supply, and keeping abreast of the relevant medical literature is a daunting task. Even after reading an article carefully, important information may be lost because of undue attention to the methodological minutia.


METHODS
Fundamental to reducing a complex article into a well-organized and consistent format is the technique of quantitatively diagramming the principal components in the design and findings of the study. This approach allows a coherent brief summary statement of the article, and a platform for a focused scientific discussion and analysis of the clinical applicability of the findings.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of diagramming an article is a tool that the senior author has used for years and has found it valuable in capturing the scientific fundamentals of a manuscript. Once prepared, the diagram has proven to be useful in clarifying presentations during journal club, preparing the background and significance sections of grant applications, reviewing articles as a journal editor and as a journal reviewer, and easily retrieving documents to support evidence-based practice efforts.
Neely
J Gail
JG
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA. jgneely@aol.com
Karni
Ron J
RJ
Wang
Eric W
EW
Rich
Jason T
JT
Paniello
Randal C
RC
Voelker
Courtney C J
CC
Nussenbaum
Brian
B
D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D014956:Writing