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From the Department of Family Medicine (Drs Cardarelli and Virgilio) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center—Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth and the School of Public Health (Dr Taylor) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Address correspondence to Roberto Cardarelli, DO, MPH, Department of Family Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 855 Montgomery St, Patient Care Center, 2nd Fl, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2553.E-mail: rcardare{at}hsc.unt.edu

This article provides an introductory step-by-step process to appraise a therapeutic article. The authors introduce these principles using a systematic approach and case-based format. The process of assessing the validity of a therapeutic article, determining its importance, and applying it to an individual patient is reviewed. The concepts of randomization, blinding, and concealment are discussed to help physicians determine an article's validity. Instruction on calculating relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction, and number needed to treat is provided and applied to the clinical scenario. Finally, information that is learned from the previous two steps is applied to patient care. The skills learned from appraising a therapeutic article in the manner outlined provides a basis for life-long learning and improved patient care.