Spotlight Series: Evidence-Based Practice

High-quality evidence refers to research evidence that is reliable, valid, and relevant to the clinical question or problem at hand. It is based on well-designed studies that minimize bias and confounding factors, use appropriate statistical methods, and report their findings clearly and transparently. KRS provides access to a variety of resources that you can use to support your work here at AHS.

Learn more about how to recognize the quality of resources and pick the best places to search based on your question type.

Here are three quality resources that make it especially fast and easy to bring the best available evidence into your practice:
 

Take a minute to familiarize yourself with these resources and check out the EBP tips below to learn how to get the very best out of them.

Making it easier to spot higher quality evidence, TRIP Pro database uses both colour coded filters and an evidence pyramid next to each of their results. The evidence pyramid helps to convey both the quantity and potential quality of research, and is a shorthand for where you are likely to find the best evidence in the shortest time!

Additionally, TRIP's easy PICO search builder (found on the second search tab on the homepage) helps to clarify your question and return a focused set of search results, bringing back the most relevant research on the topic, saving you time.

The Cochrane Library is a pre-filtered evidence source which offers access to synthesized publication types like systematic reviews and critically appraised topics. They developed stringent methodologies to reduce bias, are transparent in their reporting, and are generally considered a high-quality source of evidence on healthcare interventions and treatments. To get the latest reviews sent directly to your inbox, Cochrane offers several alert services to keep you up-to-date! The browse by topic view is also particularly handy if you want to see all the available reviews in a particular practice area.

Quickly find and determine the quality of the best available evidence that you see with these three labels used within DynaMed:

1. Level 1 (likely reliable) Evidence representing research results addressing clinical outcomes and meeting an extensive set of quality criteria which minimizes bias. There are two types of conclusions which can earn a Level 1 label: levels of evidence for conclusions derived from individual studies and levels of evidence for conclusions regarding a body of evidence.
2. Level 2 (mid-level) Evidence representing research results addressing clinical outcomes, and using some method of scientific investigation, but not meeting the quality criteria to achieve Level 1 evidence labeling.
3. Level 3 (lacking direct) Evidence representing reports that are not based on scientific analysis of clinical outcomes. Examples include case series, case reports, expert opinion, and conclusions extrapolated indirectly from scientific studies.

In-Depth Look at Levels of Evidence