Spotlight on ... finding the evidence

Evidence-based practice is the “integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.” It means that when health professionals make a treatment decision with their patient, they base it on their clinical expertise, the preferences of the patient, and the best available evidence.
 
We apply the same principles when we choose a new car, a restaurant at which to dine, or film to watch at the cinema. To find out whether they are good or not, we read restaurant reviews, watch specialist car programmes, ask friends, and refer to past experience.
 
In healthcare, evidence means ‘knowledge derived from research’. This focuses on an approach to evidence which aims to ensure that information:

• is balanced and reduces bias
• acknowledges uncertainty
• is produced using an explicit process for deriving evidence, including reference to the strategy, search and review dates of the source material
• uses consistent language
• is impartial

Now, more than ever, we need be using the very latest evidence and learning from what has happened in other countries.
 
Research, Rapid Reviews and Case Studies on COVID19 are being published every day and are readily available if you know how to search for them. If you would like us to search for you, please do ask Holly (holly.cook3@nhs.net) for an evidence/literature search and we’ll turn it around as quickly as possible.
 
Brun, C. D., 2013. Finding the Evidence. The Information Standard.
​
Contact the library for more information on these resources.
 
Email: ecn-tr.StaffLibrary@nhs.net