Inclusion Criteria Application Skill

Purpose

Systematically apply eligibility criteria during literature screening.

Criteria Components

PICOS Framework:

• Population: Who?
• Intervention: What?
• Comparison: Compared to?
• Outcome: Measuring?
• Study design: How?

Example Criteria

Inclusion:

• Adults (18+ years)
• Randomized controlled trials
• Published in English
• Depression as primary outcome
• Published 2010-2024

Exclusion:

• Non-human studies
• Case reports/case series
• No control group
• Depression as secondary outcome only

Decision Making

Title/Abstract Screening:

• Liberal inclusion (when in doubt, include)
• Quick decisions
• High sensitivity

Full-Text Review:

• Strict application of criteria
• Document reasons for exclusion
• Record in PRISMA flow diagram

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Version: 1.0.0