What is evidence-based practice?
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach to health care wherein health professionals use the best evidence possible, i.e., the most appropriate information available, to make clinical decisions for individual patients. EBP values, enhances, and builds on clinical expertise, knowledge of disease mechanisms, and pathophysiology. It involves complex and conscientious decision-making based not only on the available evidence but also on patient characteristics, situations, and preferences. Source : McKibbon, K. Ann. (1998) Evidence-Based Practice. Bulletin of the Medical Library Association Vol. 86, pp. 396-401.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) aims to apply the best available evidence gained from the scientific method to medical decision making. It seeks to assess the quality of evidence of the risks and benefits of treatments (including lack of treatment).
See also: What is EBM/EBP? (University of Toronto)
What are systematic reviews?
A systematic review is a literature review focused on a single question that tries to identify, appraise, select and synthesize all high quality research evidence relevant to that question. Systematic reviews of high-quality randomized controlled trials are crucial to evidence-based medicine.
Narrow focus = written by a team of researchers who have arange of skills and interest in the topic. SRs are reviews that assemble, critically appraise or evaluate, and synthesize the results of primary studies in an integrative approach.
Features of a well-done SR:
What is meta-analysis?
Meta-analysis is a method for summarizing statistical findings across multiple research studies. It is a useful method for assessing the level of agreement or disagreement surrounding a given research question. The ability to perform meta-analysis is dependent on the level of consistency in measures and the amount of data shared in published research. Source: Saxton M. (2006) Library Trends, Vol. 55, No. 1, Summer 2006 , pp. 158-170
How do I find systematic reviews and meta-analyses?
Databases:
I am doing a systematic review. Which studies should I include? Is there a checklist to evaluate systematic reviews?
Some good resources in York Libraries:
