Bringing evidence to light
Finding and critically evaluating biomedical evidence provides clinicians and others a basis for decision-making and research planning. At Spectrum Research, we provide focused critical appraisals of clinical research using a systematic approach. This process includes comprehensive literature search, critique of evidence quality, and summary of pertinent medical research.
Comprehensive literature search – Our comprehensive literature search includes examination of major medical databases to include Medline, Cochrane Collaboration database of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, and other appropriate databases. Spectrum Research has experience in efficiently identifying relevant articles that address the topic of interest.
Critique of evidence quality – Much of the medical literature, including editorials, letters, case reports, reviews, laboratory and animal studies, is interesting and informative. However, only a small fraction of the literature reports scientifically sound advances that can and should change how clinicians care for patients.
We at Spectrum Research have expertise in critically evaluating the literature to determine which studies present the best level of evidence based on how the study was designed and conducted.
Summary of pertinent medical research – Individual clinical studies rarely offer conclusive information and so results from several studies must be combined. Spectrum Research can produce reports that efficiently combine results to answer specific clinical questions.
Technology Assessment
Spectrum’s most popular technology assessment reports are the Evidence Report and the Evidence Brief. Both reflect the highest methodological standards and analytical methods. These user-friendly reports allow clients to readily assess the pertinent data, weigh the evidence and formulate a reasonable evidence-based decision or conclusion.
Evidence Reports
An Evidence Report is a systematic review of the literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, rehabilitation approaches and prognosis for a specific medical condition as specified by the client. Its purpose is to:
- Educate a group of interested clinicians, researchers, policy makers or other interested parties.
- Provide a summary of the evidence for, against, or neutral with respect to treatment methods for a specific treatment intervention and/or provide information on the characteristics of diagnostic tests.
- To make recommendations regarding further research in a specific area.
Evidence Briefs
An Evidence Brief (EB) takes advantage of the fact that several articles on the same topic, treatment, outcome, or clinical question can be summarized into one appraisal based on similarities in treatment methods, and/or outcomes. These reports frequently focus on “hot” new areas of medicine. The EB is not intended to be a systematic review or metaanalysis. It is, however, meant to be an efficient tool that helps clinicians keep pace with important advances in their field by reducing the time necessary to review the literature.
These products are also useful in the planning of clinical trials and other clinical research, as well as post-marketing surveillance and manuscript preparation.
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