Support for evidence-based practice
Critical appraisal
Critically Appraising the Evidence Base elearning programme
This elearning programme has been designed to enable the healthcare workforce to build confidence in the critical appraisal process when applying and evaluating research.
A list of critical appraisal videos and resources is also available to download.
Introduction to Critical Appraisal
It is important that evidence is evaluated, not just read. Critical appraisal helps you to decide whether a piece of research is trustworthy and applicable to our context at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
Our Introduction to Critical Appraisal sessions are designed to refresh or introduce the skills needed to properly evaluate research papers. We currently offer three different sessions, each focusing on a different type of research.
How to read a paper: an introduction to qualitative research
There is a trend to increasing use of qualitative research in health and social care, but it remains a misunderstood form of research, it’s contribution often minimised compared to quantitative approaches.
The session will cover three key questions:
1. What are critical appraisal and evidence-based practice, why do they matter?
2. What is qualitative research and how can it help us?
3. How do we critically appraise qualitative research?
In answering these we will look at the different approaches to conducting qualitative research, highlighting good practice and the value that qualitative research can bring. We will look at two examples of qualitative research and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses using a CASP checklist.
The next sessions will take place:
14th July 2025, 13:00 — 16:30 at Trust HQ & Education Centre, Pinderfields.
19th September 2025, 8:30 — 12:00 at Trust HQ & Education Centre, Pinderfields.
Please contact the Staff Library & Knowledge Service (ex 53899) to book a place.
How to read a paper: Diagnostic Studies
During this half day session, we will introduce the key concepts involved in critically appraising diagnostic studies.
This introductory session will help you to:
- Understand key definitions and formulae.
- Identify sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy.
- Interpret key charts and graphics.
- Critically appraise a diagnostic study using a CASP checklist.
The next session will take place:
22nd September 2025, 13:00 — 16:30 at Trust HQ & Education Centre, Pinderfields.
How to read a paper: Randomised Control Trial (RCT)
During this half day session, we cover the basics of critical appraisal and how to assess research, critically appraising a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) as an example.
This session will help you to:
- Understand the importance of critical appraisal for different types of research.
- Understand the key statistical concepts used in research papers.
- Critically appraise a RCT.
A previous participant said “I learnt so much about appraising articles, useful resources and tools. Wish I knew this as a student! I will be more confident in reading and appraising articles using EBP in my daily work. Excellent course leaders. Comfortable learning environment. Fantastic session.”
The next sessions will take place:
9th September 2025, 13:00 — 16:30 at Trust HQ & Education Centre, Pinderfields.
23rd October 2025, 13:00 — 16:30 at Trust HQ & Education Centre, Pinderfields.
Please contact the Staff Library & Knowledge Service (ex 53899) to book a place.
Finding the evidence
Guidance states that healthcare professionals should practise in line with the best available evidence (NMC, 2018; GMC, 2023).
Finding the evidence to support practice normally means looking on healthcare databases but these can be difficult to use. The Staff Library & Knowledge Service offer training to help you develop effective search strategies and find the evidence you need. We adapt this training to meet the needs of the individual so this can be anything from a beginners guide to a first step in a systematic review for example.
These training sessions are usually delivered one-to-one but can also be delivered to small groups. To arrange a session please contact us.
Beyond Healthcare Jargon: Effective Communication for Better Outcomes
In the NHS many of us use health jargon everyday, and we take it completely for granted that we understand each other. However for our patients and visitors it can sometimes be confusing and hard to grasp, especially if they might not be well or feeling emotional. This can affect their experience of the NHS and ultimately their healthcare outcomes.
Research shows that 61% of adults in England struggle to understand health information which includes words and numbers (such as appointment letters). This issue is known as low health literacy. Adults with low health literacy skills may struggle to communicate with healthcare professionals, to voice their own needs and clarify information. They may also have difficulty managing their medication and struggle to access the right services to meet their needs.
Our interactive ‘Beyond Healthcare Jargon’ course is designed to increase awareness of the difficulties patients may have in understanding and interpreting health information and equip colleagues with tools and techniques to communicate more effectively with our patients to improve patients understanding, improve patient outcomes and reduce costs for the NHS.
Upcoming sessions:
11 September 2025, 2:30pm — 4pm at Trust HQ & Education Centre, Pinderfields (in-person pilot session)
Please contact the Staff Library & Knowledge Service (ex 53899) to book a place.
