ASPS Research, Evidence-Based Practice & Clinical Outcomes

Question 1

Which level of evidence is considered the highest quality in the evidence-based medicine hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Answer

Expert opinion and case reports

Answer

Randomized controlled trials

Answer

Cohort studies

Question 2

In a randomized controlled trial evaluating a new breast reconstruction technique, the CONSORT checklist is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Standardize reporting of trial results

Answer

Allocate patients to treatment groups

Answer

Calculate sample size requirements

Answer

Obtain institutional review board approval

Question 3

A plastic surgeon wants to study complication rates of rhinoplasty over 10 years using existing medical records. This is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Retrospective cohort study

Answer

Prospective cohort study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Case-control study

Question 4

Which statistical measure represents the probability of a study finding a true effect when one actually exists?

Accepted Answer

Statistical power (1 - β)

Answer

Specificity

Answer

Positive predictive value

Answer

Alpha level (α)

Question 5

The BREAST-Q is a validated patient-reported outcome measure used specifically to assess:

Accepted Answer

Patient quality of life and satisfaction after breast procedures

Answer

Intraoperative blood loss in breast surgery

Answer

Surgeon satisfaction with operative technique

Answer

Breast implant device integrity

Question 6

In clinical research, allocation concealment is most important for preventing:

Accepted Answer

Selection bias during randomization

Answer

Loss to follow-up bias

Answer

Performance bias from unblinded participants

Answer

Publication bias in the literature

Question 7

A number needed to treat (NNT) of 10 for a postoperative complication prophylaxis means:

Accepted Answer

10 patients must be treated to prevent one additional complication

Answer

10% of patients will experience a complication regardless of treatment

Answer

The drug is 10 times more effective than placebo

Answer

There is a 10% absolute risk reduction with treatment