All that glisters...How to assess the‘value’ of a scientific paper.

The article discusses the lack of skills in doctors needed for evaluating and interpreting scientific papers. The purpose of a scientific publication, of which there are numerous types, is to communicate information. Editorials are summary or personal views, perhaps commenting on a specific paper. Reviews are longer, in-depth analyses of the literature. There are generally two aspects to excellence in an experimental study -- first, the study's conduct and second, its presentation. Particular attention should be given to the avoidance of surrogate measures, appropriate measurement tools, appropriate use of control groups, and appropriate application and interpretation of statistics.