Topic Selection
Choose a focused, clinically meaningful question and scope it with PICO.
How to Select a Topic →
Critically Appraised Topics (CATs)
Concise, peer‑reviewed summaries that translate O&P research into clinic‑ready guidance.
Quick Actions:
Author Instructions
Formatting, appraisal criteria, and the submission checklist—everything you need.
Author Instructions →Reviewer Info
Ensure quality and impact across the CAT collection with the reviewer rubric.
CAT Review Process →How CATs Work:
Define a focused clinical question
Use PICO (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). Check feasibility and clinical relevance.
Search & appraise the evidence
Identify the best-available research. Apply the appraisal criteria from the Author Instructions.
Draft your CAT
Follow the template: question, methods, key findings, clinical takeaway, limitations, references.
Peer review
EBPC coordinates blinded reviews and returns edits or acceptance decisions.
Publish to the library
Accepted CATs are formatted and added to the members-only library for access and citation.
Quality Standards:
Focused & Answerable
Question framed with PICO and scoped to the available literature.
Transparent Methods
Search strategy and inclusion criteria clearly documented.
Critical Appraisal
Study quality and bias assessed with standardized criteria.
Actionable Takeaway
Clear clinical implications with benefits, risks, and limitations.
Professional Style
Consistent formatting, accurate references, and readable layout.
Ethics & Permissions
Respect copyright; disclose conflicts; avoid patient identifiers.
FAQs:
What is a CAT?
A Critically Appraised Topic is a concise, evidence-based summary answering a focused clinical question in orthotics & prosthetics. It appraises study quality and translates findings into practical guidance.
Who can submit?
Clinicians, residents, researchers, and educators. Student submissions are welcome when co-authored with a mentor.
What makes a strong CAT?
A well-defined question, rigorous appraisal, clear synthesis, and a succinct clinical takeaway with limitations noted.
Where are the template & checklists?
Use the “CAT Template (Word)” link above and the Author Instructions. They include structure, style, and reviewer criteria.
Access the Full CAT Library
Sign in to explore, search, and download peer‑reviewed CATs curated by the Academy. Not a member yet? Join today to unlock full access.