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critical appraisal quickcheck: the 12 questions that matter

a non-negotiable appraisal checklist for clinicians: identify design, bias risk, effect size, and whether you should trust the conclusion — fast.

The Bottom Line

  • Appraisal is not academic theatre: it is risk management for decision-making.
  • Start by identifying the study type correctly (RCT, cohort, case-control, diagnostic accuracy, systematic review).
  • Extract effect size + uncertainty; treat conclusions as marketing until proven otherwise.
  • Use evidence hierarchy to decide how hard you need to work.

Step 0: Identify the study type (correctly)

Most appraisal mistakes come from misclassifying the paper. A “review” is not necessarily a systematic review. An observational association is not a causal claim. Get the design right first, then apply the right checklist.
SourceOxford CEBM: Levels of Evidence (to calibrate effort)
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SourceBMJ: How to read a paper (critical appraisal foundations)
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