Referring to an Evidence Pyramid during the article selection process can help you remember how the domain of the question being asked impacts article selection.
Based on a work at https://researchguides.library.tufts.edu/c.php?g=249245&p=3701848.
Synthesized Research
Synthesized research sources appraise the quality of studies and often make recommendations for practice. These could be systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or critically-appraised topics (evidence syntheses).
- Cochrane LibraryDetailed, structured topic reviews of hundreds of articles. Teams of experts complete comprehensive literature reviews, evaluate the literature, and present summaries of the findings of the best studies.
- PubMedConduct your search and then use the "Article types" filter on the left to select "Systematic Reviews".
- MEDLINE via OvidEnter your search query. Click on the “Additional Limits” button; select “Systematic Reviews” under “Publication Types.”
- CINAHL CompleteEnter your search query. Click on "Advanced Search"; select "Systematic Review" from the "Publication Type" box.
- DynaMedContains clinically-oriented, evidence-based summaries written by medical experts for point-of-care use by physicians, medical students, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and other health care professionals.
- UpToDateA clinical information resource which offers up-to-date, fully-referenced expert answers to patient-care, diagnosis, and treatment questions.
Primary Research
Primary research databases are used to find original studies. Evidence is not always available via filtered resources. It is possible to use specific search strategies to achieve the highest possible level of evidence.
- PubMedClick on "Clinical Queries" (under "PubMed Tools"). This specialized search is intended for clinicians and is your fastest way to conduct an evidence-based search for a research article. Pull-down menus allow search results to be filtered by your type of clinical question, and to choose a more sensitive (Broad) or more specific (Narrow) search.
Alternately, conduct your search and then use the "Article types" filter on the left to select the type of study that offers the highest level of evidence given your specific clinical question. - CINAHL CompleteConduct your search then click on "Advanced Search" to see limit options; choose a filter from the "Clinical Queries" box.