Acquire: Find the best available evidence by searching the literature.
The EVIDENCE PYRAMID is often used to illustrate the development of evidence. At the base of the pyramid is animal research and laboratory studies - this is where ideas are first developed. As you progress up the pyramid the amount of information available decreases in volume, but increases in relevance to the clinical setting.
http://libraryguides.unh.edu/health-literacy. Adaptation of the Evidence Pyramid Diagram developed by the Medical Research Library of Brooklyn, SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Sources of research may be either pre-appraised (summaries), primary literature or more anecdotal.
| Type of Study | Where to Find it |
| Systematic Reviews or Meta-analysis | Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE |
| Critically-Appraised Topics | DynaMed, UpToDate |
| Critically-Appraised Articles | ACP Journal Club |
| Randomized Controlled Trials | Original articles (search MEDLINE, EMBASE) |
| Cohort Studies | Original articles (search MEDLINE, EMBASE) |
| Case-Controlled Studies etc. | Original articles (search MEDLINE, EMBASE) |
| Background Info/Expert Opinion | Books, editorials |
What type of question are you asking and which would be best to support the evidence?
| Type of Question | Type of Study/Methodology to Look at |
| Therapy |
Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial; Systematic Review/Meta |
| Diagnosis | Controlled Trial; Systematic Review/Meta Analysis of Controlled Trial |
| Harm | Cohort studies |
| Prognosis | Cohort Studies; Case control, case studies |
| Etiology | Cohort studies |
| Prevention | Randomized Controlled Trial; Cohort studies |
| Quality Improvement | Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Quality of Life | Qualitative Study |
| Cost Effectiveness | Economic Evaluation |
| Clinical Exam | Prospective, blind comparison to gold standard |
