CATs (Critically Appraised Topics)
What is a CAT?
A CAT (Critically Appraised Topic) is a summary in standardized form of the best available scientific evidence on a topic that answers a clinical question.
The CAT process consists of the following steps:
1. Identification of a clinical problem, gap in knowledge, etc.
2. Translate the problem into an answerable question (PICO and domain)
3. Efficient search for the best evidence (literature search)
4. Selecting and critically assessing methodological quality and applicability (critical appraisal)
5. Making a decision based on the available evidence and applying it in practice
See also: Callander J, Anstey AV, Ingram JR, Limpens J, Flohr C, Spuls PI. How to write a Critically Appraised Topic: evidence to underpin routine clinical practice. Br J Dermatol. 2017 Oct;177(4):1007-1013. doi: 10.1111/bjd.15873.
Why a CAT maker?
- Provides a standard format for CATs
- All steps required to create a CAT are discussed
- Helps in searching for literature
- All entered data is automatically saved
Access the CAT-maker through your digital workspace (mijnwerkplek).
The information in this e-learning (in Dutch) meets the current criteria of the Amsterdam UMC Medical Library. Only the display of the print screens of the various database interfaces in modules 2 and 3 are outdated.
The web pages of the various online databases themselves are up to date and can be used according to the criteria in this e-learning.
Access the e-learning by creating a login for Medisch Onderwijs.nl, and then search for 'CAT' created by AMC. The duration of the e-learning is 60 minutes.