What is a critically appraised topic (CAT)?

A critically appraised topic (CAT) is defined as a summary of the best evidence available to answer a specific clinical question. It focuses on providing a concise synthesis of relevant research findings, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions at the point of care.

This approach is particularly valuable because it distills complex information into a format that is easy to understand and apply in clinical practice, while emphasizing the practical implications of the evidence. CATs are designed to address specific questions that practitioners encounter in their everyday work, emphasizing the relevance and applicability of the evidence to real-world scenarios.

In contrast, a summary of a literature review may encompass a broader range of studies and themes without the rigorous focus on directly answering a particular clinical question. An in-depth analysis of multiple clinical trials involves a detailed examination of various research studies, which goes beyond the streamlined focus of a CAT. Finally, a protocol for conducting systematic reviews outlines the steps and methodologies to perform a systematic review, rather than synthesizing existing evidence to answer a specific question. Thus, the essence of a CAT lies in its targeted nature and its role as a practical tool in evidence-based practice.