Below are tips, guidance, and links to research terminology definitions to assist you in completing the Final Evidence (PICOT) Grid.
When extracting specific pieces of information from articles into an evidence synthesis table, you will need to look closely within different sections of those articles to find the correct information.
Suggestions for which sections to look in are provided below (see "In which sections of my articles can I locate this information?").
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Authors and Year |
Design / Method | Sample / Setting | Major Variables and Definitions (Put NA if no Definition) | Measurement | Data Analysis | Findings | Appraisal: Worth to Practice |
| Put article information here. | Describe design and how study was carried out. | Put number and characteristics of patients, attrition rate and why. |
List and define independent and dependent variables. |
Here go scales used to measure outcome variables, including name and author of scale and data on validity and reliability. Explain the following: 1. Scales used to measure outcome variables 2. Data on validity and reliability.
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Put statistics used to answer clinical question here; but don’t need to include all. (tip: if your study is qualitative, include the non-statistical methods used to analyze data, i.e. thematic analysis, content analysis, etc.)
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These are statistical (i.e. quantitative) or qualitative findings – there should be a finding for every statistical test in previous column. |
Describe strengths and limitations of study; risk or hard if study intervention or findings are implemented; feasibility of use in your practice. Remember: level of evidence + quality of evidence = strength of evidence and confidence to act. Explain the following: 1. Weaknesses: 2. Strengths: 3. Conclusion: 4. Feasibility: |
| "In which sections of my articles can I locate this information?" | |||||||
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First page of article, underneath the title and above the abstract |
Objectives Aim Purpose of Study Design Method(s) Methodology |
Design Method(s) Methodology Participants Subjects Sample Setting |
Objectives Aim Purpose of Study Design Method(s) Methodology |
Materials Method(s) Methodology Measurement Data Collection |
Method(s) Methodology Measurement Data Collection Data Analysis Statistical Analysis Statistical Tests |
Findings Results |
When appraising a study's overall worth to practice, you will need to take the article in it's entirety into account For specific details on a study's weaknesses, look for the Limitations section The Discussion section of an article can often provide insight on the study's implications for practice |