Introduction/Objective: CASP aims to help health service decision makers and those who seek to influence decision makers, to develop skills to make sense of the scientific evidence about effectiveness, in order to promote the delivery of science-based medicine and health care.

Methods: CASP helps participants develop the nose to differentiate between good and bad evidence by running workshops developing critical appraisal skills for systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, economic evaluations and ethics. Through an interactive talk, participants understand the concepts of how they can make sense of the evidence; they then critically appraise a research paper using a series of specially designed questions which help to focus on key issues; this is followed by a feedback session, where the small groups share their conclusions and the reasoning, that led to the decision making process - this helps participants build on their learning and reinforces some of the concepts covered in the introductory talk.

Results: The workshops are evaluated to determine the level of knowledge and attitude to evidence-based health care prior to participation and how this changes as a result of the workshop. The analysis will be discussed. CASP has developed skills in critical appraisal, not only with those that purchase and provide the services but also with those in research and development, clinical audit and consumer groups. It continues to cascade the confidence and competence and sustain critical appraisal UK-wide by reinforcing its work through maintaining and building its networks.

Discussion: The CASP programme is being successfully cascaded and sustained in most regions in England, Scotland and Wales and initial demonstration workshops have been undertaken in Northern Ireland. CASP is also being cascaded by specific professions e.g. dentistry, mental health and physiotherapy. To build on its success and maintain momentum it will now be taken forward through interactive learning packages.