EResearch Evidence
Appraisal Tool
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All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except fair uses permitted under U.S. or applicable copyright law.
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Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research Evidence Appraisal Tool282
Evidence level and quality rating: _________________
Article title: Number:
Author(s): Publication date:
Journal:
Setting: Sample
(composition and size):
Does this evidence address my EBP question?
❑ Yes ❑ No Do not proceed with appraisal of this evidence.
Is this study:
■■ QuaNtitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of numerical data)
Measurable data (how many; how much; or how often) used to formulate facts, uncover patterns in research, and generalize results from a larger sample population; provides observed effects of a program, problem, or condition, measured precisely, rather than through researcher interpretation of data. Common methods are surveys, face-to-face structured interviews, observations, and reviews of records or documents. Statistical tests are used in data analysis.
Go to Section I: QuaNtitative
■■ QuaLitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of narrative data)
Rich narrative documents are used for uncovering themes; describes a problem or condition from the point of view of those experiencing it. Common methods are focus groups, individual interviews (unstructured or semistructured), and participation/observations. Sample sizes are small and are determined when data saturation is achieved. Data saturation is reached when the researcher identifies that no new themes emerge and redundancy is occurring. Synthesis is used in data analysis. Often a starting point for studies when little research exists; may use results to design empirical studies. The researcher describes, analyzes, and interprets reports, descriptions, and observations from participants.
Go to Section II: QuaLitative
■■ Mixed methods (results reported both numerically and narratively)
Both quaNtitative and quaLitative methods are used in the study design. Using both approaches, in combination, provides a better understanding of research problems than using either approach alone. Sample sizes vary based on methods used. Data collection involves collecting and analyzing both quaNtitative and quaLitative data in a single study or series of studies. Interpretation is continual and can influence stages in the research process.
Go to Section I for QuaNtitative components and Section II for QuaLitative components
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E Research Evidence Appraisal Tool 283
Section I: QuaNtitative
Level of Evidence (Study Design)
A. Is this a report of a single research study? ■❑ Yes
■❑ No
Go to B.
1. Was there manipulation of an independent variable? ❑ Yes ❑ No
2. Was there a control group? ❑ Yes ❑ No
3. Were study participants randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups? ❑ Yes ❑ No
If Yes to questions 1, 2, and 3, this is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or experimental study.
If Yes to questions 1 and 2 and No to question 3, or Yes to question 1 and No to questions 2 and 3, this is quasi-experimental (some degree of investigator control, some manipulation of an independent variable, lacks random assignment to groups, and may have a control group).
If No to questions 1, 2, and 3, this is nonexperimental (no manipulation of independent variable; can be descriptive, comparative, or correlational; often uses secondary data).
❑ LEVEL I
❑ LEVEL II
❑ LEVEL III
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
Complete the Appraisal of QuaNtitative Research Studies section.
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Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research Evidence Appraisal Tool284
B. Is this a summary of multiple sources of research evidence?
❑ Yes
Continue
❑ No
Go to Appendix F
1. Does it employ a comprehensive search strategy and rigorous appraisal method?
If this study includes research, nonresearch, and experiential evidence, it is an integrative review. See Appendix F.
❑ Yes ❑ No
Go to Appendix F
2. For systematic reviews and systematic reviews with meta-analysis (see descriptions below):
a. Are all studies included RCTs?
b. Are the studies a combination of RCTs and quasi-experimental, or quasi-experimental only?
c. Are the studies a combination of RCTs, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental, or non-experimental only?
A systematic review employs a search strategy and a rigorous appraisal method, but does not generate an effect size.
A meta-analysis, or systematic review with meta-analysis, combines and analyzes results from studies to generate a new statistic: the effect size.
❑ Level I
❑■Level II
❑■Level III
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
Complete the Appraisal of Systematic Review (With or Without a Meta-Analysis) section.
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E Research Evidence Appraisal Tool 285
Appraisal of QuaNtitative Research Studies
Does the researcher identify what is known and not known about the problem and how the study will address any gaps in knowledge?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Was the purpose of the study clearly presented? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Was the literature review current (most sources within the past five years or a seminal study)?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Was sample size sufficient based on study design and rationale? ❑ Yes ❑ No
If there is a control group:
■■ Were the characteristics and/or demographics similar in both the control and intervention groups?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
■■ If multiple settings were used, were the settings similar? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
■■ Were all groups equally treated except for the intervention group(s)?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Are data collection methods described clearly? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Were the instruments reliable (Cronbach’s α [alpha] > 0.70)? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Was instrument validity discussed? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
If surveys or questionnaires were used, was the response rate > 25%? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Were the results presented clearly? ❑ Yes ❑ No
If tables were presented, was the narrative consistent with the table content?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Were study limitations identified and addressed? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Were conclusions based on results? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Go to Quality Rating for QuaNtitative Studies section
Appraisal of Systematic Review (With or Without Meta-Analysis)
Were the variables of interest clearly identified? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Was the search comprehensive and reproducible?
■■ Key search terms stated ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Multiple databases searched and identified ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Inclusion and exclusion criteria stated ❑ Yes ❑ No
Was there a flow diagram that included the number of studies eliminated at each level of review?
❑ Yes ❑ No
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Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research Evidence Appraisal Tool286
Were details of included studies presented (design, sample, methods, results, outcomes, strengths, and limitations?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Were methods for appraising the strength of evidence (level and quality) described?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Were conclusions based on results? ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Results were interpreted. ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Conclusions flowed logically from the interpretation and systematic review question.
❑ Yes ❑ No
Did the systematic review include a section addressing limitations and how they were addressed?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Quality Rating for QuaNtitative Studies
Complete quality rating for quaNtitative studies section.
Circle the appropriate quality rating below
A High quality: Consistent, generalizable results; sufficient sample size for the study design; adequate control; definitive conclusions; consistent recommendations based on comprehensive literature review that includes thorough reference to scientific evidence.
B Good quality: Reasonably consistent results; sufficient sample size for the study design; some control, and fairly definitive conclusions; reasonably consistent recommendations based on fairly comprehensive literature review that includes some reference to scientific evidence.
C Low quality or major flaws: Little evidence with inconsistent results; insufficient sample size for the study design; conclusions cannot be drawn.
Section II: QuaLitative
Level of Evidence (Study Design)
A. Is this a report of a single quaLitative research study? ❑ Yes
Level III
❑ No
Go to Section II. B
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
Complete the Appraisal of Single QuaLitative Research Study section.
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E Research Evidence Appraisal Tool 287
Appraisal of a Single QuaLitative Research Study
Was there a clearly identifiable and articulated:
■■ Purpose? ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Research question? ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Justification for method(s) used? ❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Phenomenon that is the focus of the research? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Were study sample participants representative? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Did they have knowledge of or experience with the research area? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Were participant characteristics described? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Was sampling adequate, as evidenced by achieving saturation of data? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Data analysis:
■■ Was a verification process used in every step by checking and confirming with participants the trustworthiness of analysis and interpretation?
❑ Yes ❑ No
■■ Was there a description of how data were analyzed (i.e., method), by computer or manually?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Do findings support the narrative data (quotes)? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Do findings flow from research question to data collected to analysis undertaken?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Are conclusions clearly explained? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Go to Quality Rating for QuaLitative Studies section.
B. For summaries of multiple quaLitative research studies (meta-synthesis), was a comprehensive search strategy and rigorous appraisal method used?
❑ Yes
Level III
❑ No Go to Appendix F.
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
Complete the Appraisal of Meta-Synthesis Studies section.
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Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research Evidence Appraisal Tool288
Appraisal of Meta-Synthesis Studies
Were the search strategy and criteria for selecting primary studies clearly defined?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Were findings appropriate and convincing? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Was a description of methods used to:
■■ Compare findings from each study? ❑ Yes ❑ No■■ Interpret data? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Did synthesis reflect:
■■ New insights? ❑ Yes ❑ No■■ Discovery of essential features of phenomena? ❑ Yes ❑ No■■ A fuller understanding of the phenomena? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Was sufficient data presented to support the interpretations? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Complete Quality Rating for QuaLtitative Studies section.
Quality Rating for QuaLitative Studies
Circle the appropriate quality rating below
No commonly agreed-on principles exist for judging the quality of quaLitative studies. It is a subjective process based on the extent to which study data contributes to synthesis and how much information is known about the researchers’ efforts to meet the appraisal criteria.
For meta-synthesis, there is preliminary agreement that quality assessments should be made before synthesis to screen out poor-quality studies1.
A/B High/Good quality is used for single studies and meta-syntheses)2.
The report discusses efforts to enhance or evaluate the quality of the data and the overall inquiry in sufficient detail; and it describes the specific techniques used to enhance the quality of the inquiry. Evidence of some or all of the following is found in the report:
■■ Transparency: Describes how information was documented to justify decisions, how data were reviewed by others, and how themes and categories were formulated.
■■ Diligence: Reads and rereads data to check interpretations; seeks opportunity to find multiple sources to corroborate evidence.
■■ Verification: The process of checking, confirming, and ensuring methodologic coherence.
■■ Self-reflection and self-scrutiny: Being continuously aware of how a researcher’s experiences, background, or prejudices might shape and bias analysis and interpretations.
■■ Participant-driven inquiry: Participants shape the scope and breadth of questions; analysis and interpretation give voice to those who participated.
■■ Insightful interpretation: Data and knowledge are linked in meaningful ways to relevant literature.
C Lower-quality studies contribute little to the overall review of findings and have few, if any, of the features listed for High/Good quality.
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E Research Evidence Appraisal Tool 289
Section III: Mixed Methods
Level of Evidence (Study Design)
You will need to appraise both the quaNtitative and quaLitative parts of the study independently, before appraising the study in its entirety.
1. Evaluate the quaNtitative portion of the study using Section I. Insert here the level of evidence and overall quality for this part:
2. Evaluate the quaLitative part of the study using Section II. Insert here the level of evidence and overall quality for this part:
3. To determine the level of evidence, circle the appropriate study design:
(a) Explanatory sequential designs collect quaNtitative data first, followed by the quaLitative data; and their purpose is to explain quaNtitative results using quaLitative findings. The level is determined based on the level of the quaNtitative part.
(b) Exploratory sequential designs collect quaLitative data first, followed by the quaNtitative data; and their purpose is to explain quaLitative findings using the quaNtitative results. The level is determined based on the level of the quaLitative part, and it is always Level III.
(c) Convergent parallel designs collect the quaLitative and quaNtitative data concurrently for the purpose of providing a more complete understanding of a phenomenon by merging both datasets. These designs are Level III.
(d) Multiphasic designs collect quaLitative and quaNtitative data over more than one phase, with each phase informing the next phase. These designs are Level III.
Level __
Level __
Quality __
Quality __
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
Use the Appraisal of Mixed Methods Studies section.
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Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research Evidence Appraisal Tool290
Appraisal of Mixed Methods Studies3
Was the mixed-methods research design relevant to address the quaNtitative and quaLitative research questions (or objectives)?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Was the research design relevant to address the quaNtitative and quaLitative aspects of the mixed-methods question (or objective)?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
For convergent parallel designs, was the integration of quaNtitative and quaLitative data (or results) relevant to address the research question or objective?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
For convergent parallel designs, were the limitations associated with the integration (for example, the divergence of quaLitative and quaNtitative data or results) sufficiently addressed?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Quality Rating for Mixed-Methods Studies
Circle the appropriate quality rating below
A High quality: Contains high-quality quaNtitative and quaLitative study components; highly relevant study design; relevant integration of data or results; and careful consideration of the limitations of the chosen approach.
B Good quality: Contains good-quality quaNtitative and quaLitative study components; relevant study design; moderately relevant integration of data or results; and some discussion of limitations of integration.
C Low quality or major flaws: Contains low quality quaNtitative and quaLitative study components; study design not relevant to research questions or objectives; poorly integrated data or results; and no consideration of limits of integration.
1 https://www.york.ac.uk/crd/SysRev/!SSL!/WebHelp/6_4_ASSESSMENT_OF_QUALITATIVE_RESEARCH.htm
2 Adapted from Polit & Beck (2017).
3 National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. (2015). Appraising Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Studies included in Mixed Studies Reviews: The MMAT. Hamilton, ON: McMaster University. (Updated 20 July, 2015) Retrieved from http://www.nccmt.ca/resources/search/232
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