Beyond the abstract: a guide to understanding research papers with Dr Steve Kamper
Jan 10, 2024
auto_awesome
Learn how to interpret research papers effectively with Dr Steve Kamper, including tips on finding the real question, understanding impact size, and looking beyond black and white conclusions. Explore the value of reading journal articles, trends in clinician engagement with research, and the importance of a clear research question. Emphasizing the practical implications of treatment effects for clinicians and the need to consider costs, risks, and patient preferences.
Understanding the importance of interpreting research questions for effective application in clinical practice.
Emphasizing the significance of focusing on treatment effect size over statistical significance for tailored patient care plans.
Deep dives
The Importance of Research in Clinical Practice
Clinicians integrating research into practice is essential for improved patient outcomes. Research provides relevant information for decision-making and contributes to better patient results. Patients expect evidence-based treatment decisions from healthcare professionals, aligning with professional expectations. Understanding the research question and its relevance aids in applying evidence effectively in clinical settings.
Challenges in Research Interpretation
Many clinicians, including new graduates, face challenges in reading and interpreting research articles. Strategies to enhance understanding include personal motivation and efforts to make research findings more accessible. Social media platforms contribute to disseminating research information, though maintaining information depth and quality remains crucial. Understanding bias in research sources is key to interpreting information effectively, whether from formal studies or social media.
Interpreting Treatment Effectiveness
Emphasizing the importance of focusing on the size of the treatment effect rather than just statistical significance. Evaluating the magnitude of change between treatment options is vital for clinical decision-making. Clinicians should consider the practical implications of treatment variances, such as cost, risk, and patient outcomes when assessing effectiveness. Understanding the clinical relevance of treatment differences helps tailor care plans to individual patient needs.
In this episode, Steve uncovers some helpful tips on how to best interpret research including why it is important and how to be more nuanced in your appraisal. Steve covers how to find the real question the paper is asking and also how to understand the impact or effect size and why that matters more than black and white conclusions.
Dr Steve Kamper is Professor of Allied Health at the School of Health Sciences and Nepean Blue Mountains Local health District. He has been continuously supported by NHMRC fellowships since 2008, and is currently a NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow.
If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!
Our host is Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode