NBOME Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 5

Question 1

Which source sits at the top of the traditional evidence hierarchy for therapy questions?

Accepted Answer

A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Answer

Systematic reviews of high-quality RCTs give the strongest evidence for treatment decisions.

Question 2

A physician asks, 'In adults with chronic low back pain, does OMT compared with NSAIDs reduce pain at 12 weeks?' Which framework does this question follow?

Accepted Answer

PICO

Answer

PICO stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome.

Question 3

A meta-analysis funnel plot is asymmetric because small studies with negative results are missing. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Publication bias

Answer

Missing small negative studies make the plot asymmetric, a classic sign of publication bias.

Question 4

A meta-analysis reports I² = 82%. What is the best interpretation?

Accepted Answer

High heterogeneity among study results

Answer

An I² above roughly 75% means substantial heterogeneity, which calls for a random-effects model and caution in interpretation.

Question 5

A test has 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity. What is the positive likelihood ratio?

Accepted Answer

8

Answer

LR+ = sensitivity/(1 − specificity) = 0.80/0.10 = 8.

NBOME - National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners Practice Test

NBOME - National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners Practice Test

NBOME Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 5