Graduate College of Nursing and Public Health: Library Orientation

Evidence-based practice is a way of providing health care that is guided by a thoughtful integration of the best available scientific knowledge with clinical expertise. This approach allows the practitioner to critically assess research data, clinical guidelines, and other information resources in order to correctly identify the clinical problem, apply the most high-quality intervention, and re-evalutate the outcome for future improvement (from Medline). 

For our sample search in Medline with Full Text, we will search for evidence-based articles on speech or language related treatment of aphasia. Instructions are provided below. Includes notes on searching in CINAHL Complete. 

For our sample search in PsycNet, we will search for evidence-based articles on autism relating to speech or language. Instructions are provided below. 

The instructions will show you step-by-step how to find Clinical Trials, Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. 

Meta-analysis: works consisting of studies using a quantitative method of combining the results of independent  studies (usually drawn from the published literature) and synthesizing summaries and conclusions which may be used to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness, plan new studies, etc. It is often an overview of clinical trials. It is usually called a meta-analysis by the author or sponsoring body. 

Systematic review: summarises the results of available carefully designed healthcare studies (controlled trials) and provides a high level of evidence on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.