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Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Find and use relevant resources for Evidence-Based Practice

Process for developing an EBP search strategy

1. Identify the key concepts from your question using the PICO framework.

2. List synonyms or alternative terms for each concept and organise them in a concept grid like the one below - using a column for each major concept. Tools and tips to assist with this process: 

  1. Run scoping searches for your topic in databases such as Google Scholar or use the "Basic Search" in OVID databases to identify how the literature can express your concepts. Scan titles, subject headings and abstracts for words describing the same things as your major concepts.
  2. As you find something new, add it to the appropriate column on your list to incorporate later in your search.

 

Population Intervention Comparator Outcome
       
       
       
       

 

3. Create your search strategy from the concepts, synonyms, phrases etc in your concept grid.

  1. Identify the best database(s) for your topic. Check the list of databases in the box below.
  2. For each compoonent of the PICO framework, use a combination of  subject headings and keywords, combining the individual search terms with a boolean OR.
  3. Use the boolean AND to combine each group of searches in the PICO framework.

 

 

4. Use database limits to filter your search to the appropriate study type, for example in Medline and Embase on Ovid you can use the Clinical Queries filters (under Additional Limits) if it is Therapy, Diagnosis, Prognosis, or Causation - etiology, to limit your search to the appropriate study types.

Your Clinical or Faculty Librarian will be able to assist with this process.