Using critically appraised topics to inform nursing practice in DVT prevention using graduated compression stockings Senga Steel RN, DIP HE, MSc, Lead Research Nurse a, * , Richard Peacock DIP LIB, BA(Hons), Clinical Librarian b a Department of Medicine, The Whittington Hospital, Clerkenwell Building, London N19 5LW, United Kingdom b Whittington Hospital, London and Archway Healthcare Library, Highgate Hill, London N19 5LW, United Kingdom Summary This article describes how critically appraised topics (CATS) were adapted to support clinicians and managers in evidence-based decision making and how clinical uncertainty can be reduced using this system. The critically appraised topic has been adapted from the original CATS developed in Canada in 1995 [Sauve, et al., 1995. The critically appraised topic: a practical approach to learning critical appraisal. Ann. Roy. Soc. Phys. Surg. Canada. 28, 396–398] and from the centre for evidence-based medicine in Oxford. Our illustrative example relates to the use of anti-embolic stockings in reducing the risk of Deep Vein Throm- bosis (DVT), now more usually called venous thromboembolism, in a range of patient groups including orthopaedic patients.  c 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. KEYWORDS Critically appraised topics; Orthopaedic; Deep vein thrombosis; Venous thromboembolism; Evidence-based practice Editor’s comment This article demonstrates how a clinical nursing practice question can be pursued using a systematic literature review to identify current evidence and formulate recommendations for changing practice. The authors identify and discuss the mistakes they made and the potential weaknesses and strengths of the process. PD Introduction Interest in evidence-based practice (EBP) is increasing and commitment towards achieving it is becoming more apparent. Defined as the 1361-3111/$ - see front matter  c 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.joon.2005.09.004 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 0 2072885269; fax: +44 0 2072885302. E-mail address: senga.steel@whittington.nhs.uk (S. Steel). Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing (2005) 9, 211–217 www.elsevierhealth.com/journals/joon Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing