How to Read and Interpret: a Scientific Paper

The content of this chapter includes a brief outline on how to assess and critique a scientific paper. Critical evaluation of a scientific paper ensures appropriate interpretation of the research data and outcomes provided and the related writings, which in turn facilitates evaluation whether to adopt new or altered recommendations for management or introduction of new procedures. To become a fellow of the European Board of Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, you are expected to scrutinize scientific papers on a specific topic in order to evaluate the presented data and estimate the importance and the potential to influence your practice. Criticizing a paper is not an easy task. There are cornerstones that will help you to direct your reading and improve the quality of your interpreting. By following the criteria outlined in this chapter, you can easily critique a scientific paper in a successful and effective manner. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.