Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Assessment of critical appraisal skills
Helen M MacRae1, Glenn Regehr, Fred Brenneman
1Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 451 Mt. Sinai Hospital, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1X5. hmacrae@mtsinai.on.ca
Background:
Studies have provided little evidence that critical appraisal skills improve with focused courses. However, outcome measures in these studies have been questionable. The goal of this study was to develop a feasible, reliable, and valid assessment of critical appraisal skills.
Methods:
Forty-four surgery residents read three articles and then responded to short answer questions and provided 7-point ratings regarding various methodological aspects of each article. Reliability and validity of the examination were assessed.
Results:
The mean score was 52.4% (SD 8.6%). Internal consistency of the 55-question examination was 0.77. Interrater reliability of clinician markers was 0.91. Mean score for residents with more intensive critical appraisal training was significantly higher than for those with little or no training (56.6% versus 49.3%, t(35) = 2.31, P = 0.02), suggesting construct validity.
Conclusions:
This examination has promising psychometric properties, and may be useful in evaluating critical appraisal curricula.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Critical Thinking II
01:24Critical Thinking I
01:13Patient-centered Care
01:20Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Primary Appraisal:...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for: