Need to provide a client with evidence to support or refute information during a visit? Learn how to make judgments of observational studies in a SNAP!
Have you ever been faced with the situation where a client brings in a stack of articles from a “Google search” and wants you to either confirm that the information is truthful and significant or contest it based on your clinical experience? It happens all of the time, especially since clients can access information quicker and easier than ever before. With the advent of the internet, and now smartphones and tablets, clients are much more informed, but they are not necessarily animal-health literate. As the most trusted professional in their pet’s life, they will ultimately turn to you for advice and recommendations.
If faced with this situation again, you can have the skills to quickly access and appraise the clinical relevance of observational studies.
By watching this video, you will be able to:
Distinguish the three main types of observational study designs (cross-sectional, case-control and cohort; strengths and weaknesses)
Decide whether the number and nature of subjects used in studiesare sufficient to make conclusions about your own patients
Interpret types of associations
Evaluate the parameters measured in the study for potential problems
Appreciate the weaknesses of using study summaries (whether research abstracts, internet postings or news stories) as sources of evidence in general
Click here to download a pocket reference of the SNAP approach to assessing observational studies.
Ashlee Addleman, MPH, graduated from Portland State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Studies and received her Master in Public Health from Walden University in 2010. Ashlee joined the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK) team in 2006 and is Manager/ Research Programs and Projects. She has been with Banfield Pet Hospital since 2002. Ashlee and her partner Kate share a home with Mavis (a goofy Bernese Mountain Dog) and a clever kitty, Jordan.
View all posts by Ashlee Addleman, MPH → ← Dr. Google: A Double-edged SwordHeroes in a Half Shell →