The basic evidence based research steps are:

• Begin with a problem or issue stated as a question. 1 2
• Plan your search for the levels of evidence you need. 3
• Search for secondary or primary sources and primary evidence. 4 5
• Evaluate your results. 6 7
• Implement your findings. 8 9
• Publish your findings to build the evidence base. 10

Appendixes

References

About the tool

Checklist for Evaluating Rigorous Evidence

 

Is the intervention supported by "strong" evidence of effectiveness?

Quality of evidence is well-designed and implemented.

1. Description of intervention and random assignment process includes:

• who administered and received the process
• what it cost
• how the intervention differed from what the control group received
• how the intervention is to affect outcomes

2. Is there any indication that the random assignment process is compromised?

3. Does the data show no systematic difference between the intervention and control groups prior to the intervention?

4. Outcome data shows:

• valid measures
• participants who do not complete intervention
• long-term outcome data

5. Study's reporting of effective results shows:

• size of effect
• statistical tests unlikely the result of chance
• all effects on outcomes are measured, not just the positive effect

Caution-intervention effects on subgroups should be corroborated.

Quantity of evidence

• Intervention demonstrates effective, well-designed randomized control trial in more than one site.
• Implementation sites should be typical of setting and similar to yours.

 

If intervention is not supported by "strong" evidence, is it "possible" evidence?

Circumstances that constitute "possible" evidence:

• intervention and comparison groups closely match in demographics and characteristics prior to intervention.
• comparison group should not be comprised of individuals who had the option to participate but declined.
• intervention/comparison groups and outcome measures are chosen before the intervention.
• study meets checklist items listed above for well-designed randomized controlled trial with valid outcome measures, etc.

Studies that do not meet the threshold for "possible" evidence include:

• pre-post studies
• comparison group studies that are not well-matched
• meta-analyses that combine study results that do not meet the "possible" evidence threshold.

 

If the intervention is backed by neither "strong" nor "possible" evidence, it is not supported by meaningful evidence of effectiveness. ( 8 )

 

Is there conflicting evidence?

Do you want to examine the conflicting evidence? Compare/contrast the claims.

Do you need additional evidence on specific factors?  Revise search strategy and search again.

Is other evidence available?  Are there studies/reports, best practices, guidelines?

Which studies to use?  Use the studies that best answer your questions.

 

For more information:

CEBM critical appraisal checklists: PICO, Systematic review, RCT, Therapy study etc. http://www.cebm.net/index.aspx?o=1913

 

EBP flowchart & Meta-analysis Review worksheet  http://webs.wichita.edu/depttools/depttoolsmemberfiles/csd/research/ebp.pdf

 

 

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