Journal Clubs: Home

A journal club presentation should mirror the structure of the article itself.

• Start with the background and definitions.
  • Start with a clinical case if it is possible so you can hook the audience in and get them engaged.
    • Present the case in terms of PICO!
      • Patient/Problem
      • Intervention
      • Comparison
      • Outcome
  • Provide background information on the topic and tell what the article was trying to answer.
  • Define any terms that are necessary.  Don't assume the audience knows what everything means.
• Review the methods.
  • Discuss the study design, validity, etc.
    • Is the study design appropriate for the research question?
    • Can the results of the study be translated to the general population?
    • Is there any bias?
  • Discuss the article's internal and external validity.
• Look at the results.
  • Go over the results of the paper and any figures/tables.
  • Are the results statistically significant?
  • Are the results clinically significant?
• Have a discussion.
  • Talk about the key findings and implementing them into clinical practice.
  • Ask questions of the audience:
    • Are there limitations to the study?
    • What are some practice implications?
    • How can the results be applied?
    • What additional questions does the study raise?

Prepare a short handout for the audience.

• Read the article(s) prior to the meeting.
• Be prepared to discuss the article.
  • How does the article apply to your practice?
  • What are some limitations of the study?