Finding the evidence on the Internet....Where do I start?
1. Decision Support
Clinical Guidelines and Reviews for Evidence Based
Medicine
(Where Do I Start?)
Policy Development & Management Program,
Nov. 2011
Jessica E. Rolle (Mrs.)
Planning Unit, PMH
2. Evidence (Truth or Reality?)
Healthcare decisions/services should be
based on evidence
Evidence: the numbers that represent the
current condition or situation as it relates
to a specific service/topic or area. It
reflects the PRESENT state or transitional
truth, however it does not necessarily
represent an absolute truth.
3. Sourcing The Information
(Using The Internet)
DO NOT GO TO GOOGLE!!!!
Use google on the search the broad subject,
not specifics
Use Pre-filtered sources of clinical evidence.
Why?
Provides more focused information
Not subject to advertisements
Has more inclusive information from worldwide
sources
4. The Cochrane Library
Comprised of 6 different databases
Provides information to inform health
decision making.
Independent reviews
The ‘diamond’ in evidentiary reviews for
clinical papers
www.thecochranelibrary.com
5. Medline Plus
Provides information that is also suitable
for patient education
Has videos and podcasts that provide
visual reinforcement and assistance.
Easier Reading
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
6. Other Sites…..
Bandolier:
http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/
Quick and dirty
Provides reviews and quick ratings
Attract:
http://www.attract.wales.nhs.uk/default.aspx
Answers questions and reviews specific to the
clinical conditions (ex. Diabetes)
7. It’s a Trip!
http://www.tripdatabase.com
Trip Database
Combines all reviews
The HUB….no need to go further!
Provides a succinct site for cross referenced
data (globally)
Rates the quality of the information
8. The Standard for Guidelines
N.G.C.:
National Guidelines Clearing House
Provides resource guideline data base for
clinicians
The baseline for guidelines (the Bible)
Health Service Management resource
information
Supports clinical governance
www.guideline.gov
New Zealand & Scotland have developed
skills in developing guidelines
9. DAU…..What does this mean?
Resource Sites to pull and review
information
Supports
Comparative Analysis
Expanded Services (evidence sources for
medical and clinical research,
costing/diagnosis code)
Validates information produced by the
unit
10. Assignment
Pick one issue that means a lot to you, ex.
(Diabetes, migraines, breast cancer, cost
of healthcare)
Look up on the sites provided the reviews
and guidelines that are appropriate
Present it at the next meeting in a power
point presentation (5mins)
