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Journal Club Guidelines

GUIDELINES FOR THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ARTICLES Margaret Stineman, M.D., Associate Professor PM&R

ABSTRACT AND INTRODUCTION

1. Why is the study important?
2. What led to the study?
3. What are the objectives, goals, purposes of this article?
4. If the researchers provide a hypothesis, re-state.

METHODS

1. Where was the study performed?
2. What was the population being studied?
3. What were the patient selection criteria for the study?
4. How were the research questions addressed?
5. Were the methods appropriate for the questions asked?
6. What was the study design?
7. What were the primary and secondary outcome measures?
8. How were subjects organized?
9. How was the data analyzed?
   1. Descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviations, tables, scatter plots)
   2. Inferential statistics (Chi square, t-tests, ANOVA, regression,
      Wilcoxon, etc.). If inferential statistics were done, what level of significance was selected?
10. Did the authors give you enough information to completely replicate the study?
11. How were issues of validity and reliability of instruments addressed?

RESULTS
Discuss the primary results and then the secondary

1. Are there math errors in the tables? Are there inconsistencies between written results and tables?
2. Were all the patients initially in the study accounted for at the end?
3. If statistical significance was demonstrated, do you believe findings were also CLINICALLY significant?

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Restate the main conclusions

1. Do the conclusions line up with the objectives described in the abstract or introduction sections?
2. On what basis were conclusions made? Do the results justify the conclusions? What are the strengths and limitations of the study?
3. If conclusions are valid, can they be generalized to the patients you see on your current rotation?

SIX GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Briefly summarize how the article addresses the ACGME competencies below:

1. Medical Knowledge: What new medical knowledge has been learned as a result of the article?
2. Patient Care: Does the article influence patient care practices in rehabilitation, and if so how?
3. Interviewing & Communication Skills: Does the article enhance your ability to communicate with patients, caregivers, or health care colleagues?
4. Practice-Based Learning & Improvement: Does the article contribute scholarly evidence to "best practices" in rehabilitation care?
5. Professionalism: Does the article contribute to learning of cultural, ethical and/or professional issues in rehabilitation care?
6. Systems-Based Practice: Does the article contribute to understanding of how the health care system works, with emphasis on post-acute care strategies?

References
Cuddy PG, Elenbaas RM, Elenbaas JK. Evaluating the medical literature. Part I: Abstract, introduction, methods. Ann Emerg Med 1983;12(9):549-555.

Ibid. Part II: Statistical Analysis, Ann Emerg Med 1983;12:610-620.

Ibid. Part III: Results and Discussion, Ann Emerg Med 1983;12:679-686

Welch HG. Preparing manuscripts for submission to medical journals: The paper trail. Effective Medical Practice 1999;2(3):131-137.
Updated 12/12/03