Critically appraised topic (CAT) groups to improve the capability of healthcare staff to translate research findings into practice: A critical reflection.

Background: The development of a Centre for Care Excellence at a large Midlands National Health Service teaching hospital enabled the opportunity to introduce Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) groups through collaborative working with library specialists and health professionals.

Objectives: To provide interactive training for health professionals to improve their critical appraisal skills and to translate research findings into practice.

Methods: Clinical Evidence Based Information Services library experts and a clinical academic facilitator ran interactive CAT groups via webinars. Clinical staff were recruited via poster advertising with quick-response (QR) code registration. Groups were facilitated for 8 months.

Results: Between January 2019 and August 2023, six CAT groups were established. Four groups completed critical appraisal, progressing to translate the research findings to inform clinical practice. Progression paused in two groups, with outcomes reporting to follow.

Discussion: CATs can galvanise health professionals' database searching, evidence retrieval, and critical appraisal; particularly those less familiar with these processes. Group members must commit to deliverables, especially with challenging workforce shortfalls where CAT groups could be designated as optional activities.

Conclusions: Outcomes depend on the adequacy of critical appraisal skills and the involvement of skilled facilitators. Long-term, a strategy to cultivate new facilitators through training may ensure scale-up for new groups.