Critical Appraisal of Biomedical Publication

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Biomedical Sciences covers a broad range of different research approaches and study designs. Results from these studies are reported in articles published in a wide range of journals. Information from these articles is vital for the progression of science. However, a critical view on biomedical publications is necessary to maintain the required level of scientific quality. The design of a study by using the empirical cycle, and the way the study design and results are reported are the main items of the course Critical Appraisal of Biomedical Publications (BBS1006). This course will teach students to recognise and value the diversity of study designs and to critically appraise how results of these studies are reported. The course uses a competency-based approach and will enable students to critically review research quality and methodology as they are used in daily practice. This is done by means of lectures, team-based learning sessions and journal clubs. During this 4-week course students are trained to make so-called critical appraisals of biomedical publications (CABPs) reports. One CABP report will serve as a practice run and will be discussed according to provided feedback. Individual CABP skills will be assessed via an oral examination during the last Journal club session. Since research not only involves correct reporting but also hands-on skills, a lab-skill test and a calculation test will be conducted during the BBS1006 course period. These tests will be assessed but do not count for the BBS1006 course itself. Success in BBS1006 requires a strong collaborative approach to critically assess biomedical publications and research methodology. BBS1006 is assessed with an exam at the end of the course in Testvision using questions that measure  critical thinking application and knowledge of concepts involved of the learned CABP process.