Why do we care about evidence-based practice? Why do we need to know how to interpret clinical studies? Because statistical values such as sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios are vital to interpreting the clinical relevance and applicability of research around clinical tests. 

"Of course, very few tests can be expected to conclusively rule in or rule out any particular condition but they should add to the index of suspicion which will inform your clinical reasoning process." (Hattam & Smeatham, 2010, p.5). 

The aim of this blog is to review the meanings of these psychometric properties to allow you to become a great consumer of research and know when and how to take new research and allow it to clarify, amplify and expand on your current body of knowledge.