OEC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A ski patrol team wants to evaluate whether a new traction splint reduces patient pain scores compared to a standard splint. Which study design is most appropriate?
- Retrospective chart review of past femur fracture cases
- Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the two splints (Correct answer)
- A single case report describing one successful use
- An expert panel opinion survey
Correct answer: Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the two splints
A prospective RCT with random assignment to each splint type is the most rigorous design to compare the two interventions.
Question 2: What is 'publication bias' and why does it matter in evidence-based practice?
- The tendency for journals to publish only studies with positive or significant results, skewing the evidence base (Correct answer)
- The preference of authors to submit research only to high-impact journals
- The delay between study completion and journal publication
- The practice of citing only recent studies published within five years
Correct answer: The tendency for journals to publish only studies with positive or significant results, skewing the evidence base
Publication bias occurs when studies with positive results are more likely to be published, making an intervention appear more effective than it truly is.
Question 3: In an OEC research context, what does 'blinding' a participant mean?
- Preventing the participant from seeing the injury site during treatment
- Keeping the participant unaware of which treatment group they have been assigned to (Correct answer)
- Withholding the study hypothesis from the participant until completion
- Removing identifying information from participant data
Correct answer: Keeping the participant unaware of which treatment group they have been assigned to
Blinding keeps participants unaware of their group assignment to reduce placebo effects and response bias.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes a cohort study?
- Researchers look back at existing records to identify past exposures and outcomes
- A group of individuals sharing a common characteristic is followed over time to observe outcomes (Correct answer)
- Participants are randomly assigned to intervention or control groups
- Researchers manipulate the environment to test a single variable
Correct answer: A group of individuals sharing a common characteristic is followed over time to observe outcomes
A cohort study follows a defined group (cohort) over time, observing who develops the outcome of interest.
Question 5: An OEC protocol update states it is based on a 'Grade A recommendation.' What does this grade typically indicate?
- The recommendation is based on expert consensus only
- There is good evidence from well-designed studies to support the recommendation (Correct answer)
- The recommendation applies only to a specific geographic region
- The recommendation has not yet been reviewed by a governing body
Correct answer: There is good evidence from well-designed studies to support the recommendation
Grade A recommendations are typically supported by consistent, high-quality evidence such as multiple well-designed RCTs.
Question 6: What is the difference between sensitivity and specificity in a diagnostic test?
- Sensitivity measures how fast the test can be administered; specificity measures its cost
- Sensitivity is the ability to correctly identify those WITH the condition; specificity is the ability to correctly identify those WITHOUT it (Correct answer)
- Sensitivity applies to lab tests; specificity applies to physical examination findings
- Sensitivity measures test reliability; specificity measures test validity
Correct answer: Sensitivity is the ability to correctly identify those WITH the condition; specificity is the ability to correctly identify those WITHOUT it
Sensitivity (true positive rate) identifies those who have the condition; specificity (true negative rate) correctly rules it out in those who do not.
Question 7: Which of the following represents an example of applying evidence-based practice in an outdoor emergency setting?
- Using a technique because it was taught during initial OEC training 15 years ago
- Choosing a wound irrigation method based on the most recent clinical practice guidelines (Correct answer)
- Following the preference of the most experienced patroller on scene
- Applying a technique seen in a social media first aid video
Correct answer: Choosing a wound irrigation method based on the most recent clinical practice guidelines
Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values when making care decisions.
OEC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3
A ski patrol team wants to evaluate whether a new traction splint reduces patient pain scores compared to a standard splint.
Which study design is most appropriate?