Reviewing the case for critical appraisal skills training

Introduction:

To review the evolution of critical appraisal skills training alongside the results from a long-term evaluation of a series of research utilisation workshops.

Critical appraisal skills training and evidence based health care:

The evolution of critical appraisal skills (CAS) training across health care professions is described, showing the centrality of this to evidence based health care and thus clinical effectiveness. The evidence for the effectiveness of CAS training is reviewed.

The long-term evaluation of the Foundation of Nursing Studies’ workshops:

A postal questionnaire and qualitative interview study of participants and managers were used to evaluate the workshops. These findings were then contextualised through a consultation exercise with senior nurses, practice developers and nurse educators in health care trusts and academic units across the UK.

Discussion:

The effectiveness of CAS training, its focus and structure is revisited with reference to the literature and the long-term evaluation. Questions concerning the way forward are proposed.