title: Evidence on prognosis.
abstract: In the clinical decision-making process, prognostic information gives physicians guidance regarding disease and treatment that can be passed along to patients. Using the clinical scenario of a type IIIB open tibial fracture as an example, this article focuses on how to search prognostic literature effectively and how to critically appraise prognostic studies. A well-built clinical question using the Patients, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes methodology helps plastic surgeons derive information from the vast resources in an effective and time-efficient manner. Subsequent critical appraisal of the collected studies is the essential step for identifying the most relevant high-quality evidence to provide the best prognostic information to guide patient decision-making.
authors: Tokyo, Japan; Singapore; and Ann Arbor, Mich. From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School; the Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Health System; and the Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System.
authors: Shimpei
authors: S
authors: Ono
authors: Sandeep J
authors: SJ
authors: Sebastin
authors: Kevin C
authors: KC
authors: Chung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011379:Prognosis; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012196:Review Literature as Topic