Evidence quality
Generalisability
How well study findings apply beyond the specific people, settings and conditions studied.
What it means
Definition
Generalisability. Generalisability asks whether the evidence fits the audience implied by the headline. Age, disease severity, setting, geography and exclusion criteria can all limit application.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
A trial in younger adults may not apply cleanly to frail older patients with multiple conditions.