Discussion 5: Conducting the Evidence Search

Conducting the Evidence Search

The purpose of this discussion is to teach students to use electronic databases and methodological filters to select the most relevant evidence to answer the clinical questions. A secondary purpose of this assignment is to teach students to format citations according to the American Psychological Association Style Handbook (7th Edition).

Instructions:

For this discussion, you will use the PICO question you generated for the previous discussion (Use the PICO worksheet attached to this discussion).

Select the most appropriate databases using information from the MDC Library databases.  Explain in a short paragraph why you selected each one.

Find synonyms for Population, Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome. Fill out the list with synonyms. 

Using the advanced search feature, conduct separate searches for each of the above PICO, using “OR” with synonyms. Check for the number of hits for each search and revise as necessary.

1. Using the search history feature, combine PICO searches, using “And.”
2. Make note of the number of hits. 
3. Revise the combined searches, if necessary.
4. Use methodological filter terms, first for systematic reviews, randomized control trials, cohort studies, etc. Note the number of studies found after applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria).
5. Limit your searches to five (5) years.

Write a paragraph describing the process ( this is the method section of the literature review). 

1. Title the discussion with the PICOT question.
2. Peer response: Identify two (2) students that may share a similar question and make significant comments in their Search methodology (can it be replicated?).
3. Be active because it may help you form a group for the EBP paper.