Source Appraisal for Free Open-Access Medicine (FOAM)

Use this sequence when evaluating any Free Open-Access Medicine (FOAM) post, thread, or episode.

Appraisal sequence

1. Claim clarity: Is the clinical claim explicit and testable?
2. Evidence chain: Are primary studies, reviews, or guidelines linked?
3. Context fit: Population, setting, and resources match your context?
4. Risk check: What harms follow if this claim is wrong?
5. Action threshold: Is this for learning, protocol discussion, or immediate bedside action?

Red flags

• Strong recommendations without linked evidence.
• Overgeneralization from single cases.
• Novel technique with no safety boundary language.
• Advice that conflicts with local protocol without explanation.

See How to evaluate Free Open-Access Medicine (FOAM) quality for an expanded checklist.