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The previous pages helped you decide what type of evidence is likely to answer your question. However, to know where to search for evidence, you need to understand how evidence is organized into categories of EBM resources.
DiCenso A, Bayley L, Haynes RB (2009). Accessing pre-appraised
evidence: fine-tuning the 5S model into a 6S model. Evidence-Based
Nursing, 12(4),99-101.
The 6S Hierarchy of Evidence-Based Resources is a useful model for guiding clinical decision making.The model proposes six layers of evidence sources. The search for evidence-based resources should begin at the highest possible layer. The categories of EBM resources described here correspond to layers of the 6S model of EBM resources.
From a practical point of view, resources can be viewed in three broad categories: summaries and guidelines, pre-appraised research and non-appraised primary studies.
Categories of EBM Resources
| Category | Description | Where to Find |
| Summaries and Guidelines |
Online summaries provide the body of evidence at a topic level (not limited to a single question, intervention, or outcome). This also includes clinical practice guidelines with recommendations for clinical decision making. |
|
| Pre-Appraised Resources | Synopses of systematic reviews, systematic reviews and synopses of studies provide an assessment of an original study or a summary of a number of studies. | |
| Non-Appraised Primary Studies | All primary studies with no pre-appraisal. | Embase - Ovid |
For more information on understanding the 6S Pyramid of evidence-based information resources, see these:
LibGuide from Mcaster University Health Sciences Library
6S Pyramid (National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools)