CRE CRE Research & Evidence-Based Practice 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In respiratory care education, 'evidence-based practice' is best defined as:
- Using only the most recently published studies
- Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values (Correct answer)
- Following manufacturer instructions for all equipment
- Applying government-mandated treatment protocols exclusively
Correct answer: Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
Evidence-based practice is a three-component model integrating the best available research, clinician expertise, and individual patient values and preferences.
Question 2: Which study design provides the highest level of evidence in clinical research?
- Case report
- Prospective cohort study
- Randomized controlled trial (RCT) (Correct answer)
- Expert consensus opinion
Correct answer: Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard because random allocation minimizes selection bias and allows causal inference.
Question 3: In diagnostic testing, 'sensitivity' refers to a test's ability to:
- Correctly identify individuals without the disease (true negatives)
- Correctly identify individuals with the disease (true positives) (Correct answer)
- Predict which patients will develop disease in the future
- Detect the smallest measurable physiological change
Correct answer: Correctly identify individuals with the disease (true positives)
Sensitivity measures the proportion of true positives — how reliably the test identifies patients who actually have the condition.
Question 4: A p-value of 0.03 in a clinical study means there is a:
- 3% chance the study is correct
- 3% probability the results occurred by chance (Correct answer)
- 97% likelihood the intervention was effective
- 97% statistical power in the study design
Correct answer: 3% probability the results occurred by chance
A p-value of 0.03 indicates a 3% probability that the observed difference between groups occurred due to random chance alone.
Question 5: When clinical data is heavily skewed, which measure of central tendency is most appropriate to report?
- Mean
- Mode
- Median (Correct answer)
- Range
Correct answer: Median
The median is preferred for skewed data because, unlike the mean, it is not distorted by extreme outlier values.
Question 6: A systematic review differs from a narrative review primarily because it:
- Is authored by a single recognized expert
- Uses predetermined criteria to identify and critically appraise studies (Correct answer)
- Includes only randomized controlled trials
- Restricts literature to the past 5 years only
Correct answer: Uses predetermined criteria to identify and critically appraise studies
Systematic reviews follow explicit, reproducible methods with pre-specified inclusion criteria, minimizing selection bias compared to narrative reviews.
CRE CRE Research & Evidence-Based Practice 1
In respiratory care education, 'evidence-based practice' is best defined as: