Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) groups to improve the capability of healthcare staff to translate research findings into practice: A critical reflection

Background: The development of a Centre for Care Excellence at a large
Midlands National Health Service teaching hospital enabled the
opportunity to introduce Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) groups through
collaborative working with library specialists and health professionals.
Objectives: To provide interactive training for health professionals to
improve their critical appraisal skills and translate research findings into
practice. Methods: Clinical Evidence Based Information Services library
experts and a clinical academic facilitator ran interactive CAT groups via
webinars. Clinical staff were recruited via poster advertising with quick-
response (QR) code registration. Groups were facilitated for eight
months. Results: Between January 2019 and August 2023, six CAT
groups were established. Four groups completed critical appraisal,
progressing to translate the research findings to inform clinical practice.
Progression paused in two groups with outcomes reporting to follow.
Discussion: CATs can galvanize health professionals’ database
searching, evidence retrieval, and critical appraisal; particularly those
less familiar with these processes. Group members must commit to
deliverables, especially with challenging workforce shortfalls where CAT
groups could be designated as optional activities. Conclusions:
Outcomes depend on the adequacy of critical appraisal skills and the
involvement of skilled facilitators. Long-term, a strategy to cultivate new
facilitators through training may ensure scale-up for new groups. [199
words]