ARTICLE
Figure 3 . Search results using Trip
The source of the article is a key indicator of the quality of the evidence .
• Websites – avoid . com sites
• Use free databases like Pubmed and the Cochrane Library . These are reputable databases that only house peer-reviewed journals .
• Google Scholar may be preferable to Google but may not retrieve current papers .
• Databases like Trip might be a quick way to find relevant clinical information .
3 . Tips for deciding if a paper is worth reading
As previously discussed , to decide if a paper is good quality , first consider its source ( e . g . peer-reviewed journal , reputable website , scientific conference ), then its study design ( where does its study design sit on the evidence hierarchy ) and any conflicts of interest ( consider who is sponsoring the study ). A declaration about conflict of interest , even if none exists , should always be included in good quality publications .
Many research papers follow a standardised format . As a general rule , there should be enough information to decide if the paper is worth reading . A good research document provides the information readers need to reach their own conclusions about the study . This requires the following :
Introduction : A review of related research from various perspectives
Aim : A well-defined research question
Methods : A description of how the data were collected and analysed
Results : Presentation of evidence in a format that can be replicated by others
Discussion : Discussion of critical assumptions , contrary findings , and alternative interpretations
Conclusions : Cautious conclusions and their implication
Conflicts of Interest : A statement declaring all real and potential conflicts of interest
References : Adequate , current references
JATMS | Spring 2021 | 137