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Nursing Resources: Step 2: Acquire Evidence

This guide provides an overview of the nursing resources available via the St. Thomas Libraries.

Searching for the Best Evidence

Now that you have developed a well-built question and developed search terms, it is time to search for evidence.

Primary evidence presents the detailed findings or results from an original research project, observation, or experiment. 

In searching, use the Publication Type (Article Type) limits or filters in databases to locate the following types of primary evidence

  • randomized controlled trials 
  • clinical trials
  • cohort studies 
  • controlled case studies
  • observational studies (like prospective and retrospective studies.)

Secondary evidence is synthesized or summarized findings from one or more studies. 

Use the Publication Type (Article Type) limits or filters in databases to locate the following types of secondary evidence:

  • systematic review
  • meta-analysis
  • review 
  • guideline or practice guideline.

CFCF, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Type of Question Ideal Type of Study
Therapy RCT; Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Prevention RCT > Cohort Study > Case Control
Diagnosis Prospective, blind controlled trial comparison to gold standard > Cross-Sectional
Prognosis Cohort Study > Case Control > Case Series
Etiology/Harm *RCT > Cohort Study > Case Control > Case Series

*You would never want to randomize someone to a known harm.

 

Where to Search for the Best Evidence