Evidence-based Nursing and Midwifery Practice (EBP): finding, appraising and using research

Quantitative Studies:
SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) Checklist - http://www.sign.ac.uk/methodology/checklists.html
This website includes checklist for critically appraising the following study types: Systematic Review, Randomized Controlled Trials, Cohort Studes, Case-Controlled Studies and Diagnostic Studies

Mixed Methods Studies:
Pluye, P., Gagnon, M. P., Griffiths, F., & Johnson-Lafleur, J. (2009). A scoring system for appraising mixed methods research, and concomitantly appraising qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods primary studies in Mixed Studies Reviews. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 46(4), 529-546.

Levels of Evidence:

NHMRC levels of evidence and grades for recommendations for developers of guidelines Dec 2009
See Table 3 on p. 16. Note these levels of evidence ranking quantitative studies only.

Journal Articles

For recent information, journal articles are often the best sources. Looking through individual journals in the hope of finding relevant material is time-consuming. It is better to use the databases to find articles on your topic.

Journal Articles:

Östlund, U., L. Kidd, et al. (2011). "Combining qualitative and quantitative research within mixed method research designs: A methodological review." International Journal of Nursing Studies 48(3): 369-383.

Journals

Journals:

The Cochrane Library - A source of up-to-date information on the effects of interventions in health care, designed to provide information and evidence (Systematic Reviews, Randomised to support decisions taken in health care

Joanna Briggs Institute - JBI offers critically appraised information to connect health professional with the best available health care evidence.

PubMed Clinical Queries - A quick way to locate clinical studies or systematic reviews