1. What to expect? Core modules Introduction
Finding out relevant literature
General guidelines for literature appraisal
Abstract and Introduction appraisal
Methods and Results appraisal 1 - Patients and procedures
Methods and Results appraisal 2 - Data collection/management and descriptive analysis
Methods and Results appraisal 3 - Inferential analysis
Discussion and Conclusions appraisal

2. Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
Discussion appraisal
The Discussion is an important part of the article, but its main strengths vary according to the reader
Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
To put into context the study findings
To get acquainted with the current research context, in light of the study findings
To identify strengths and shortcomings of the study
To plan further research

3. Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
Discussion appraisal
The Discussion is an important part of the article, but its main strengths vary according to the reader
Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
To put into context the study findings
To get acquainted with the current research context, in light of the study findings
To identify strengths and shortcomings of the study
To plan further research

4. Discussion appraisal
Holmes JAMA 2006

5. Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
Discussion appraisal
The Discussion is an important part of the article, but its main strengths vary according to the reader
Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
To put into context the study findings
To get acquainted with the current research context, in light of the study findings
To identify strengths and shortcomings of the study
To plan further research

6. Discussion appraisal
Holmes JAMA 2006

7. Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
Discussion appraisal
The Discussion is an important part of the article, but its main strengths vary according to the reader
Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
To put into context the study findings
To get acquainted with the current research context, in light of the study findings
To identify strengths and shortcomings of the study
To plan further research

8. Discussion appraisal
Ong JACC 2005

9. Discussion appraisal
Keeley Lancet 2004

10. Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
Discussion appraisal
The Discussion is an important part of the article, but its main strengths vary according to the reader
Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Discussion:
To put into context the study findings
To get acquainted with the current research context, in light of the study findings
To identify strengths and shortcomings of the study
To plan further research

11. Discussion appraisal

12. Discussion appraisal

13. Conclusions appraisal
Conclusions are often embedded in the Discussion, and should repeat the Abstract conclusions
Some of the reasons to read (carefully) the Conclusions:
Is the authors’ interpretation of the findings of the study balanced and satisfying?
Is there any leap of frog?
What is the take home message?

14. Conclusions appraisal
Holmes JAMA 2006

15. Conclusions appraisal
Holmes JAMA 2006

16. The more structered the Discussion, the more readable and informative!
Teaching point
The more structered the Discussion, the more readable and informative!

17. The more structered the Discussion, the more readable and informative!
Teaching point
The more structered the Discussion, the more readable and informative!

18. The more structered the Discussion, the more readable and informative!
Teaching point
The more structered the Discussion, the more readable and informative!

19. And now some rest!