Appraise and Synthesize the Evidence

Critical appraisal is the process of evaluating research evidence to determine its reliability, value, and relevance toward clinical decision-making. In evidence-based practice (EBP), critical appraisal is an essential step to evaluate the quality of evidence and determine its relevance for clinical care. Critical appraisal in nursing is rooted in the early work of Florence Nightingale who saw a need for improved hygienic conditions on British military wards. By providing information and resources on how to distinguish high from low quality evidence, this chapter helps the reader to learn how to make sound evidence-based clinical decisions. It defines critical appraisal in research and EBP and identifies when critical appraisal should be performed. The chapter helps the reader to understand how to approach critical appraisal for the clinical practice and quality improvement initiatives.