CAT stands for which term in evidence-based practice?

• A. Critically Appraised Topic
• B. Clinically Applicable Test
• C. Comprehensive Assessment Tool
• D. Certified Access Technique

Answer: (A)

In evidence-based practice, a Critically Appraised Topic is a concise, targeted summary of the best available evidence on a single clinical question. It includes a brief description of the question, the search strategy, a critical appraisal of the validity and results of the relevant studies, and an assessment of how applicable the findings are to practice or a specific patient. This format helps clinicians quickly interpret research and decide whether to apply the evidence at the bedside.

The other terms don’t fit standard EBP terminology. Clinically Applicable Test isn’t a recognized category in EBP; Comprehensive Assessment Tool is a general phrase for a tool used in evaluation, not a structured evidence appraisal; Certified Access Technique isn’t an established EBP term.