Analysing a scientific article
The simplest way to analyse an article from a
scientific journal is to look at the checklist of requirements for good
scientific
research. The CONSORT document has been produced as a guideline of how to
conduct clinical trials. A good paper will look at a specific clinical problem
for which improving the outcome would realise significant clinical benefits.
Looking in detail at the study design will often be the best way of deciding
whether or not a trial is a good one. The CONSORT document includes a checklist
for the conduct of good randomised trials (Table 72.3). Often clinicians overlook
biases which others find obvious to detect that can have a profound influence on
the outcome of any study.