Presented by Assoc Prof Gavin D Leslie February 2008 Using the RAPid critical appraisal tool with students

what… Rapid Appraisal Protocol internet database A teaching tool based on CATmaker from Oxford University Includes quantitative & qualitative designs, expert opinions and consensus reports Best used by students who have completed or as part of their research or EBP unit

principles topic identification and rigorous question development searching for the evidence critically appraising the evidence summarising the evidence; and reporting the results of this process in an accessible format to maximise knowledge transfer to practice

achieves this by… Guiding students step by step through the evidence assessment and documentation process RAP maker only accessible to institutional subscribers

Entering RAPid About RAPid – this provides information on the RAPid program, with a link to information about becoming a member RAP Library – provides the link to enter the RAP Library, to search for existing RAP Sheets. RAP Guide – where the RAPid user guide is found. RAP Access – enter RAPid by entering your username and password RAPcap Course – where you can register to become a RAP reviewer - a peer reviewer of submitted RAP sheets

So how do I use it? As a teaching tool, a learning experience and an assessment piece. As an Assessment (summative) is the key.

A teaching tool… The RAPid user guide

A learning experience Complete course materials necessary to perform a “RAP” Select a paper of interest which fits the RAP paper “types” e.g intervention, systematic review, cost, experience… Assess the paper using the guide and any other necessary text Judge the paper – good quality, use with caution, poor quality Enter required data Review, conclude and justify the decision

A Summative Assessment Submit the “RAP” and article for review by the tutor As an exercise – combines understanding, analysis, critical thinking and demonstration As a bonus – quality “RAPs” can be submitted to the RAP library –Positive re-enforcement for the student –Contributes to the “literature”

Any questions?