Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Critical Appraisal Tool

Background: Optimal quality improvement in health care is based on research and other types of evidence. Critical appraisal of evidence is a fundamental component of evidence-based practice (EBP) and is also needed to evaluate the quality of quality improvement (QI) projects. Problem: Currently available EBP or QI critical appraisal tools can be challenging for students learning the critical appraisal process and for practicing clinicians who desire access to a standardized EBPQI approach to inform health care decision-making. The currently available tools are incomplete, too brief, or too complicated for ease of use in education and practice. Approach: This article introduces the first combined EBP and QI (EBPQI) critical appraisal tool, which is aligned with the new EBPQI mountain model. Conclusion: This newly developed appraisal tool may be used in appraising evidence for an EBPQI initiative and to appraise the quality of disseminated EBPQI.