A Study Never Proves Anything: Contemporary Interpretation of the Levels of Clinical Evidence and Statistical Significance.

Abstract

Critical analysis of the medical literature and an evidence-based approach to clinical practice and medical decision-making is of vital importance in contemporary podiatric practice. This article reviews the levels of clinical evidence and their application within this paradigm. This includes determining which level of evidence is most appropriate for a given methodology, as well as an appreciation of inherent limitations within each level of evidence. The article concludes with a discussion on the difference between statistical significance and clinical significance.