How to translate evidence into practice; Critically Appraised Topic Groups explored

Tuesday 27th April,  7 – 8.30pm

This webinar, by Kay Stevenson, will highlight the benefits to clinical practice, patient care and research of a proactive group that has been running successfully for over 10 years. In that time over 120 clinical dilemmas have been answered by exploring the best evidence, rapidly changed practice and identified areas for further research.

Kay is a Consultant Physiotherapist and Honorary Professor of Clinical Practice and Leadership and will share experiences from the groups and highlight their impact.

Kay Stevenson’s talk covers the fourth pillar in Advanced Practice; Evidence, research and development.

Keele have developed an approach to research based on Critically Appraised Topic groups (CAT groups).  A group of clinicians come up with a question which they would like answering, for example what are the best types of exercises for managing Achilles tendonopathy?  Topics are decided within the group and are generated from clinical practice.

A literature search is undertaken (by a librarian if possible) and the evidence is brought together and considered but the group and recommendations in practice are developed by consensus and considering the evidence.

This is written up as an evidence -based pathway for management of Achilles tendonopathy.  This contributes to the development of the service.

Developing CAT groups within an MSK Service or practice will address the fourth pillar of evidence, research and development. If there is a gap in the evidence uncovered, then a research question can be developed and progressed to a research trial. 

Running a group could also contribute to the leadership pillar.