Six Steps in Reading to Appraise Scientific Publications: Discover a Different Path

Abstract

Abstract Background Effectively reading scientific publications, for example, research/quality improvement, is an acquired skill. Critical appraisal identifies articles’ strengths and weaknesses related to credibility and authenticity or appropriate standards. Aim To stimulate rehabilitation nurses’ interest/participation in reading to appraise published studies (using brief evaluation questions). Steps Approach Read in this order: (1) title, abstract, and key words (are these words clear and directly connected to identified problem?), (2) discussion and conclusion (how are results/findings interpreted; are there recommendations for actions?), (3) results/findings (do key outcomes relate to the problem?), (4) introduction and review of literature (what are main arguments for study/project; does the study build on what‘s already known?), (5) data collection and analysis methods (are materials/procedures described for gathering information and evaluation?), and (6) references (are citations accurate/up-to-date?). Discussion/Relevance/Conclusion Steps taken on this path help close the gap in reading to appraise scientific publications, discovering ways to build evidence-based rehabilitation nursing practices.