Applying randomized controlled trial evidence

Assess patient similarities, treatment feasibility, benefits and harms, patient views, and internal validity

In relation to the statistical results and treatment effects from the article that has been critically appraised, ask these questions when making an applied clinical decision based on randomized controlled trial evidence:

1. Is the patient so different from those in the study that its results cannot apply?

2. Is the treatment feasible in the current setting?

3. What are the patient's potential benefits and harms from the therapy?

4. What are the patient's values and expectations for both the treatment and the outcome?

5. Were all the important predictor, confounding, and outcome variables considered?
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There are five considerations taken when applying randomized controlled trial evidence: Patient similarities, feasibility of treatment, harms and benefits of treatment, patient values and expectations, and all important variables are considered.