Evidence-Based Practice, Research and Professionalism
Evidence-Based Practice, Research and Professionalism tests critical appraisal, guideline use, consent, record keeping, and ethical conduct.
Core rules
- Form a PICO question, search appropriately, and appraise evidence by design, risk of bias, effect size, and applicability.
- Systematic reviews and randomised trials generally rank above case reports, but no design is automatically valid; check blinding, allocation, and outcomes.
- Guidelines are aids, not substitutes for patient-specific judgement.
- Obtain informed consent covering diagnosis, options, risks, benefits, and costs; document discussions and materials.
- Maintain accurate records, protect confidentiality, declare conflicts, and refer when beyond competence.
- Research and audit require ethical approval and honest reporting.
Worked example
A clinician asks whether 1% or 5.25% NaOCl improves outcomes. A PICO search finds a systematic review with heterogeneous trials. The appraisal notes inconsistent concentrations and outcome measures, so the evidence is weak. The clinician chooses a concentration supported by local protocol and documents the rationale rather than claiming certainty.
Traps that cost marks
Treating a single case report as proof; citing a guideline without reading it; inadequate consent; altered records; and plagiarism or undisclosed conflicts.