Evidence Enquiry Response
An inquiry service to search for and briefly describe evidence in response to ad hoc enquiries on topics that have not been prioritized as part of a programme for more formal evidence review. Such enquiries may also be the first step towards identifying and prioritising a topic for more formal review. A small number of selected high quality clinical evidence sources (such as Cochrane) are used, but no formal review or critical appraisal or synthesis of evidence is undertaken.
- An expert health policy-oriented ‘library response service’, drawing upon the HMC project team’s experience, sources and search strategies.
- A ‘rapid response’ clinical question answering service
Assessment of the state of the evidence in a broad topic area. Uses a comprehensive and robust search strategy but critical appraisal is not usually performed. Intended to facilitate discussion about evidence needs. This report is usually a foundation for further project work in the area.
- To assist the closer definition of issues important to needs of HMC stakeholders.
- To assist in framing specific questions to be answered through review(s) of evidence.
A short evidence report stating the issue and specific question(s) of importance to HMC stakeholders, and providing brief evidence-based answers where high quality and reliable evidence exists that can be easily assembled. Only reliable evidence syntheses are used and these source documents would usually be critically appraised. Individual studies/reports would not usually be critically appraised. These reports also include proposals for further evidence review as appropriate.
- Conveys simple evidence-based answers to narrowly focussed and well-defined questions.
- May indicate that, at least in some areas, a more comprehensive review of evidence is needed (Rapid Review or Full Review).
A report providing an overview of evidence. Involves robust search strategy, critical appraisal, description of contributing studies/reports, use of a simple synthesis and interpretation to answer clearly defined questions. Appropriate where evidence exists but requires higher level of assembly and interpretation than undertaken for a Rapid Appraisal. Would generally be peer-reviewed.
- Conveys evidence-based answers to well-defined questions, with full description of evidence sources upon which answers are based.
- May indicate that, at least in some areas, a more comprehensive review is needed, ie a ‘Full Review’.
A comprehensive evidence report, usually resulting from a full systematic review. Appropriate where high quality and reliable evidence sources (such as systematic reviews or evidence-based guidelines) are not currently available. Would always be peer reviewed and likely to be published in peer reviewed journal.
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Generates new evidence by formal synthesis of existing research studies.
