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]

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Carol A. Cooke

Acting MHIKNET Librarian

Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library
University of Manitoba
e. carol.cooke@umanitoba.ca

p. 204-977-5660

c. 204-290-6710

w. http://mhiknet.lib.umanitoba.ca/