Evidence-Based Medicine, Part 1. An Introduction to Creating an Answerable Question and Searching the Evidence

Abstract

This article, the first in a series of six articles, introduces the concept of evidence-based medicine and describes the first two steps of practicing it: formulating an answerable clinical question and searching the available evidence. The types of clinical questions practitioners can ask are examined and a hierarchy of how to search for the best and most authoritative evidence is provided. The skills learned from creating an answerable question and searching the evidence, as outlined in this article, provide a solid basis for life-long learning and improved patient care.

Herramienta pico para la formulación y búsqueda de preguntas clínicamente relevantes en la psicooncología basada en la evidencia

“…diagnóstico diferencial, frecuencia de un problema específico, métodos y herramientas de diagnóstico y pronóstico (12,18) . La formulación de preguntas con la estrategia PICO sirve para mejorar la especificidad y claridad conceptual de los problemas clínicos a estudiar, así como para realizar búsquedas que arrojen resultados con mayor calidad y precisión.…”

Evidence-Based Practice Problems: Form and Focus

“…EBP clinical questions address a wide range of topics but are of two basic, distinctly separate kinds: (a) background questions seeking general information on a condition, disease, or population and (b) foreground questions used to make and direct clinical decisions (Gray, 2010;Virgilio, Chiapa, & Palmarozzi, 2007).…”

“…Background questions are directed toward obtaining information on the patient's condition, disease, or status. The background questions are constructed with the purpose of identifying who is affected, what happens with an illness, when the problem occurs, where the problem exists, why a problem develops, and who may be affected (Virgilio et al, 2007). Search results on background questions produce general information about populations, conditions, tests, or responses (Gray, 2010).…”

“…Search results on background questions produce general information about populations, conditions, tests, or responses (Gray, 2010). The information generated by searches to background questions is educational in nature and provides general information on a disease or condition (Virgilio et al, 2007).…”

State‐of‐the‐Art Searches: Tips for Success

“…Electronic resources provide more current and extensive options along with faster results. Therefore, searching for uptodate information on the Internet is the most effective and efficient method (Virgilio, Chiapa, & Palmarozzi, 2007). But the first steps involve the knowledge and resourcefulness of the individual researcher.…”