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Health Library helps CATs

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 Critically appraised topics or CATs are short summaries of the most up-to-date evidence for a specific clinical issue. They involve:

  • Identification of a specific focused clinical issue affecting patients
  • A structured search strategy
  • Critical appraisal of the search results
  • Application of considered outcomes to a practical patient scenario

CATs can provide benefits to healthcare staff by providing opportunities to:

  • Critically appraise evidence presented
  • Develop knowledge within a specific area
  • Share outcomes
  • Identify gaps in the knowledge

In this BMJ blog - Promoting true evidence-based practice using critically appraised topics (CATs) (2022) by Andrew Finney (Senior Lecturer of Nursing at Keele University) – Andrew talks about the CAT group he introduced in community nursing. He describes how the Health Library is part of the process to develop a critically appraised topic. Our librarian uses her knowledge and expertise to develop and apply the search strategy. She can also support staff developing their critical appraisal skills.

Would you like the Health Library to support your team? To find out how to make the Health Library part of your team contact your NHS Lead Librarian, Louisa, Email: louisa.fulbrook@uhnm.nhs.uk

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