[Is an article worthy to be read? Practical guide to the art of critical assessment of a randomized controlled trial].

: Clinicians need to know how to critically appraise clinical trials in order to choose the best papers upon which to base their clinical decisions. By appraising the section on "methods" the most important questions regarding validity and relevance can be answered. The most important components of validity include adequate randomisation procedures, blinding (where possible) and minimising the number of patients lost to follow-up. The conclusions of a well conducted study should be applicable to a broad range of patients and settings.