The document discusses approaches for conducting an effective literature search to find the best evidence on a topic. It outlines the ABC model of formulating a question, finding relevant sources, and critically appraising the evidence. Specific databases and tools like PICO/ECLIPS are presented to help design effective search strategies. Hierarchies of evidence and CASP checklists are also summarized as ways to assess the quality and type of research found.

1. Commissioning for Outcomes the ABC Approach: Finding Best Evidence Kieran Lamb Head of Library Services Fade Library

3. ABC Model

6. PICO in Action Ibuprofen Junifen Comparison Fever Reduction Paracetamol Calpol Child Children Infant Outcome Intervention Patient

7. PICO to NHS Evidence/Google Search Brackets represent columns (child OR children OR infant) (paracetemol OR calpol) (ibuprofen OR junifen) (“fever reduction” OR “reduced fever”) Ibuprofen Junifen Comparison Fever Reduction Reduced Fever Paracetamol Calpol Child Children Infant Outcome Intervention Patient

8. OR OR is used to expand a search. Useful for ensuring maximum retrieval allowing you to combine alternative terms describing the same concept. fish OR chips brings back items with either fish or chips present.

9. AND AND is used to narrow a search by combining searches so that all elements must be present in a record. fish AND chips brings back records with both fish and chips present.

10. NOT NOT is a way of excluding a concept. Chips NOT fish excludes any items where fish is included as a concept. Be wary when you use not you may exclude useful items of value that mention the concept you are excluding in passing.

11. Hierarchy of Evidence