When it comes to evidence informed practice everyone agrees that it sounds like a good idea but to many people are not sure what articles they should be considering. There is a great deal of variety in what the experts consider to be evidence based information but in the Library when you ask me for an evidence based literature search I focus my searching on looking for Randomized Controlled Trials, Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews. Here are some great descriptions on what you can expect from each of these different types of articles.
Types of Articles
- Bastian, Hilda. 5 key things to know about meta-analysis. Scientific American Blogs. 2014
- Study Design 101: Randomized Controlled Trial [Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library; 2011]
- J R Soc Med. 2003 March; 96(3): 118–121. Five steps to conducting a systematic review. Khalid S Khan, Regina Kunz, Jos Kleijnen, and Gerd Antes
Reviewing the articles
This article and websites might help you in reviewing the results I send you from my literature searches.
- CMAJ. 2004 Aug 17;171(4):353-8. Tips for learners of evidence-based medicine: 1. Relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat. Barratt A, Wyer PC, Hatala R, McGinn T, Dans AL, Keitz S, Moyer V, For GG; Evidence-Based Medicine Teaching Tips Working Group.
- 11 questions to help you make sense of a trial [Critical Appraisal Skills Program; 2013]
- 10 questions to help you make sense of a review [Critical Appraisal Skills Program; 2013]
