Table 1

Critical appraisal of animal model studies

Study selection
     Indication (eg sepsis)
     Category
          Pathophysiology
          Therapy
          Other
Study assessment
     Validity of results
          Randomization
          Accounting for all experimental subjects
          Blinding
          Comparability of groups at baseline
          Lack of confounders
     Specific findings
          Effect size
          Precision
     Generalizability to corresponding clinical indication
          Clinical relevance of animal model
          Supportive therapies similar to those in the clinical setting
          Consideration of intercurrent illness
          Species specificity of the model
          Potential cost-effectiveness
Evidence-based recommendations
     Strength of evidence
     Quality of evidence

Sibbald Critical Care 2000 4(Suppl 2):S8   doi:10.1186/cc970