Evidence summary

Applying evidence for clinical practice in choosing the most appropriate treatment and being able to educate on what are the most evidence-based options. To be able to negotiate and defend my role (dermal clinician) in the management of clients with complex health issues in inter-professional environments backed by evidence to support your case and opinions.

1. ask a question
2. research it
3. report the outcomes

This type of research uses a slightly different technique to the one we use to research academic papers where we have hours, days and sometimes weeks to sift through information, analyse and absorb it.

Formulate a clinical question opens in new window using the PICO format. My clinical question in PICO format is: In patients in the age range between 20 – 40 years old with hypertrophic scar following burn injury, is silicone dressings more effective in reducing scar thickness than compression therapy?
Developing a database search strategy (Template attached. I want to use 3 databases for my 10 reserach papers. Journals Ovid, Medline Ebscohost, Cochrane) https://libraryguides.vu.edu.au/az.php
Analyse up to 15 (I’m willing to pick 10 papers) using the Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tool (file attached) and the NHMRC principles of evaluating evidence to develop a summary of the evidence to inform clinical practice (file attached)
Assignment structure
Use the headings and guide on word limit to assist you with structuring your written report for this task.

Heading: This will be your clinical question (Assessment 3 group title) and sub question (Assessment 2 individual review)
Introduction: 200-300 words.
Define my clinical question and justify the need for the evidence summary.
1. Why is the evidence summary necessary (Why is change needed?)
Consider what the prevalence is of the problem, the cost to the individual and/or the health care system or current gap in knowledge to inform practice
2. Review question(s)
What are the themes that you identify or intend to review the literature to formulate an answer to guide practice.
Methodology: 200-400 words.
3. Provide an overview of the databases you used, the date range for the search and key points of your search strategy.
4. Summarise your results. For example what type of studies were found eg systematic reviews and overall level and quality of evidence
Discussion (The Evidence): 500-600 words.
5. Provide a summary of your analysis of the evidence and your the recommendations to answer the themes you have identified.
6. You should also acknowledge current gaps in research or limitations of your review.
Conclusion: 200 words
Appendix (not included in word count):
Search strategy template
Evidence Statement template
Reference List
Instruction:

1. Create a Clinical Question and Search Strategy
My clinical question in PICO format is: My clinical question in PICO format is: In patients in the age range between 20 – 40 years old with hypertrophic scar following burn injury, is silicone dressings more effective in reducing scar thickness than compression therapy?

2. Use the Search Strategy Sample and Template to develop your search strategy (fike attached)
Use the library databases opens in new window to conduct your search strategy
Collect 10 articles that relate highly to your clinical question

3. Evaluate the literature
Use the Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tool opens in new window that is most relevant to the type of scientific paper that you have chosen to review and complete the checklist to evaluate the rigor or quality of that paper/s.
Then use the NHMRC evidence summary template.pdf to evaluate the evidence in order to understand how reliable your recommendations will be based on the quality literature that currently exists.
Evidence base: This will be informed by your use of the Joanna Briggs tool relevant to your study type, but may also consider the following
Level of evidence of studies included in your review, risk of bias or overall quality
e.g. Is it sponsored?, Was the study design transparent?, How were the participants assigned to groups?
Consistency: Are all studies consistently reporting the same or very similar things or there discrepencies
Clinical Impact: What is the likelihood of adverse events or side-effects that may offset positive effects? Is the intervention likely to have a positive effect that is clinically observable?
Generalisability to PICO: Are the outcomes generalisable to your patient group? How closely does this paper represent your patient group? Can you use the information but with caution? Can you sensibly apply outcomes with some considerations?
Applicability to the Australian Healthcare Context: Are the outcomes applicable to the Australian Healthcare setting? Is the paper on a similar demographic as the Australian population with this problem? Can this therapy be accessed in Australia? Are there any barriers to it being used?
4. Refine and finalise
The final submission should include the following
Evidence Summary Report (1500 words)
Appendix 1 Search Strategy (not included in word count)
Appendix 2 Joanna Briggs Checklist (not included in word count)
Appendix 3 NHMRC literature synthesis template (not included in word count)

I attached the examplar of past student work.

This is the Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tool link https://jbi.global/critical-appraisal-tools

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