analysing literature using cochrane framework 'risk of bias' analysis for RCT

Your ability to critically appraise the literature (and in particular an RCT) is key to your future as a health care professional. It is central to making informed decisions relating to best patient care. 1. Obtain your allocated studies.(1-4) These have been thoughtfully placed in a SINGLE ENDNOTE file along with other articles to get you started 2. Appraise EACH of 4 studies for quality by applying the Cochrane framework “risk of Bias” (ROB) analysis for RCT’s.(5, 6) Support your decisions with examples from EACH study (quotes & point form inside the table). 3. Summarize the main findings of EACH study. You may construct a single table if this helps. Specifically: a. Objective b. Trial design c. Population/setting d. Randomization e. Interventions (per group) f. Main results g. Authors main discussion points (were these consistent with the results) h. Limitations: as stated i. Limitations: your assessment (different to ‘h.’?) j. Generalisability (external validity, applicability) 4. Discuss why these trail results in some instances may seem to be contradictory. Use parts #2 and #3 to inform your opinion (max 500 words) 5. Discuss the potential problems when transferring study results and recommendations (RCT’s in general) into clinical practice (this part will introduce you some of the concepts of translational research).(7, 8) (max 300 words)