Which study outcomes change practice.

Abstract

The use of evidence based medicine to guide treatment decision making is widely supported by clinicians as a method to improve patient care and outcomes. Surgeons and physicians play a key role in both the design of clinical and translational research studies, as well as the implementation of the results. With the massive volume of published studies, it is increasingly difficult for clinicians to evaluate the literature and appropriately integrate novel findings into practice. With a focus on research studies in the field of orthopaedic surgery, the purpose of this review is to discuss which factors lead to impactful conclusions and clinical change, including the role of outcome selection, study design, presentation of results, and stakeholder involvement.