Randomised controlled trial of the READER method of critical appraisal in general practice

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the READER model for critical reading by comparing it with a free appraisal, and to explore what factors influence different components of the model. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial in which two groups of general practitioners assessed three papers from the general practice section of the BMJ. SETTING: Northern Ireland. SUBJECTS: 243 general practitioners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores given using the READER model (Relevance, Education, Applicability, Discrimination, overall Evaluation) and scores given using a free appraisal for scientific quality and an overall total. RESULTS: The hierarchical order for the three papers was different for the two groups, according to the total scores. Participants using the READER method (intervention group) gave a significantly lower total score (P <…