Authors
- Adeola Davis, PhD, MPA, Senior Director R&D of Learning and Development, Acadia Pharmaceuticals
-
Ruth Nicholson, PhD, Program Manager, Amplity
- Clare Jackson, Independent Consultant
Disclaimer: This paper represents the opinions of the authors and not those of their organizations
About this Position Paper
- A robust assessment of scientific data and literature is essential to safeguard scientific integrity and organizational credibility, and plays a key role in multiple deliverables across Medical Affairs functions
- Rigorous appraisal includes evaluation of publication and data integrity, study design, statistical methodology, relevance, and bias
- Publication bias, selective reporting, and flawed study design can distort the evidence base and undermine decision-making
- Scientific rigor can be maintained even when rapidly appraising literature using the CLEAR framework
Executive Summary
Background
Medical Affairs has long been tasked with interpreting and communicating scientific evidence, but the growing complexity of the literature landscape is testing this undertaking in new ways. The increasing volume of published data, variability in study quality, and prevalence of bias make it difficult to identify evidence that is both credible and relevant. At the same time, Medical Affairs professionals must ensure that insights derived from literature continue to be translated into meaningful real-world applications that are aligned with organizational strategy.
Aim
This critical evaluation position paper aims to help Medical Affairs teams understand the importance of maintaining critical evaluation skills, principles that underpin rigorous appraisal, and current challenges on the topic.
We will also provide solutions for consideration on how to critically evaluate literature, and practical tools to enhance their ability to critically evaluate scientific literature in a systematic, efficient, and strategically impactful manner.
Opportunity
Ultimately, advancing critical evaluation of literature skills enables Medical Affairs to not only uphold scientific standards but also to deliver insights that directly support patient care and organizational success.
