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Evidence-Based Practice Resources - Interactive Guide

Definition (Background Information)

Background Information

Background questions are considerably broader and when answered, provide general knowledge. For example, a background question such as, "What therapies reduce postoperative pain?" can generally be answered by looking in a textbook.

Stillwell, S. B., Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step: Asking the Clinical Question: A Key Step in Evidence-Based Practice. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 110(3), 58-61.
 

*** Depending on your question, you may also answer background questions using narrative reviews, statistics, or government resources. ***

Additional sources of background information:

Health Statistics

Health Statistics

Key resources

Detailed Data

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Select Another Type of Evidence

Systems is the top level of the 6s pyramid. Example: evidence-based clinical information system. This level of the pyramid is grey on the image being described.
Summaries are the second level from the top of the 6s pyramid. Examples: practice guideline, evidence summary. This level of the pyramid is yellow on the image being described.
Synopses of syntheses are the third level from the top of the 6s pyramid. Example: pre-appraised systematic review. This level of the pyramid is pale red on the image being described.
Syntheses are the fourth level from the top of the 6s pyramid. Example: systematic review. This level of the pyramid is pink on the image being described.
Synopses of single studies are the second level from the bottom of the 6s pyramid. Example: pre-appraised single study. This level of the pyramid is blue on the image being described.
Single studies is the bottom level of the 6s pyramid. Example: randommized controlled trial, cohort study. This level of the pyramid is green on the image being described.

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