University Library

Internet Sources
for Evidence Based Practice

Subject Gateways
Internet Search Tools
Critical Appraisal Tools

Subject Gateways

Evidence-Based On-Call Database
this evidence compendia has evidence-based summaries of 38 on-call medical conditions

Netting the Evidence
ScHARR Introduction to Evidence Based Healthcare on the Internet with access to helpful organisations and useful learning resources, such as an evidence-based virtual library, software and journals.

HealthWeb - Evidence Based Health Care
University of Illinois, Library of Healthsciences links to Evidence Based Healthcare information and resources.

HDA Evidence Base
This resource developed by Health Development Agency aims to provide access to the best available information on what works to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develops and publishes evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for use by the health service in Scotland.

DEC reports (South and West Development and Evaluation Service)
The Development and Evaluation service aims to provide commissioners in the South West and South East Regions with reliable, timely information about the cost-effectiveness of health care technologies. The outputs of this service are used to guide purchasing decisions within the region, and increasingly elsewhere.

TRIP (Turning Research into Practice) Database
An amalgamation of 26 databases of hyperlinks from ‘Evidence-based’ sites around the world. At present there are over 10,000 links to evidence based topics.

TRIAGE (Trent Research Information Access Gateway)
This gateway has gathered together resources across all areas of health services research, health economics, evidence based practice specifically to support those who wish to learn more. Emphasis is on teaching packages, presentations, texts, tools that will help those who have been on a short or introductory course to take it further in their own time or when they get back to their work base.

SEEK (Sheffield Evidence for Effectiveness and Knowledge)
Is a web gateway to support evidence-based practice in Sheffield. Although aimed at Sheffield NHS staff it might be of interest to the wider community. SEEK. The gateway brings together databases and electronic journals accessible by Sheffield NHS staff as well as local information, tutorials and most importantly clinical guidelines.

Internet Search Tools

Internet Search Tools
There are many different types of search tools that help you search for information on the Internet. Each have different strengths and weaknesses and should be used accordingly. A description of each type of Internet search tool is provided to help you decide which may be the most appropriate for your search. Links are also provided to sites that provide search tips for some of the various search tools.

Critical Appraisal Tools

Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP): Appraisal checklists
Examples of the questionnaires used by the critical appraisal skills programme to appraise different types of research: randomised controlled trials economic evaluations qualitative research studies systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials cohort studies

Centre for Evidence Based Medicine Teaching Materials
Include a set of Worksheets for critical appraisal of articles on therapy, diagnosis, prognosis, harm, economic analysis, decision analysis and guidelines. These can be found in the Downloads section

St. George's Hospital Medical School Health Care Evaluation Unit
Appraisal Instrument for Clinical Guidelines

How to read a scientific paper
A guide from the University of Arizona