scholarly journals Appraising Evidence Claims

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
David Gough

For research evidence to inform decision making, an appraisal needs to be made of whether the claims are justified and whether they are useful to the decisions being made. This chapter provides a high level framework of core issues relevant to appraising the “fitness for purpose” of evidence claims. The framework includes (I) the variation in the nature of research, the evidence claims it produces, and in the values, perspectives, and ethical issues that underlie it; (II) the main components of the bases of evidence claims in terms of (i) how relevant evidence has been identified and synthesized to make a claim, (ii) the technical quality and relevance of the included evidence, and (iii) the totality of evidence to justify the warrant of the evidence claim (including the potential for there to be alternative explanations); (III) evidence standards to appraise evidence claims and examples of guides and tools to assist with aspects of such appraisal; and (IV) engagement with evidence: (i) the communication of evidence claims, (ii) the fitness for purpose of these evidence claims for decision makers, and (iii) and the interpretation of such claims to provide recommendations and guidance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 638
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Giuliani ◽  
Francesco Guerra ◽  
Lorenzo De Franco ◽  
Lucia Salvischiani ◽  
Roberto Benigni ◽  
...  

Background. Minimally invasive gastrectomy is currently considered a valid option to treat gastric cancer and is gaining increasing acceptance. Recent reports have suggested that the application of robots may confer some advantages over conventional laparoscopy, but the role of robotic surgery in clinical practice is still uncertain. We aimed to critically review the relevant evidence comparing robotic to standard laparoscopic surgery in performing radical gastrectomy. Methods. The Pubmed/Medline electronic databases were searched through February 2021. Paper conference and the English language was the only restriction applied to our search strategy. Results. According to the existing data, robotic gastrectomy seems to provide some benefits in terms of blood loss, rate of conversion, procedure-specific postoperative morbidity, and length of hospital stay. Robotic gastrectomy is also associated with a longer duration of surgery and a higher economic burden as compared to its laparoscopic counterpart. No significant differences have been disclosed in terms of long-term survivals, while the number of lymph nodes retrieved with robotic gastrectomy is generally higher than that of laparoscopy. Conclusions. The current literature suggests that robotic radical gastrectomy appears as competent as the conventional laparoscopic procedure and may provide some clinical advantages. However, due to the relative paucity of high-level evidence, it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Clark ◽  
S Neil-Sztramko ◽  
M Dobbins

Abstract Issue It is well accepted that public health decision makers should use the best available research evidence in their decision-making process. However, research evidence alone is insufficient to inform public health decision making. Description of the problem As new challenges to public health emerge, there can be a paucity of high quality research evidence to inform decisions on new topics. Public health decision makers must combine various sources of evidence with their public health expertise to make evidence-informed decisions. The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) has developed a model which combines research evidence with other critical sources of evidence that can help guide decision makers in evidence-informed decision making. Results The NCCMT's model for evidence-informed public health combines findings from research evidence with local data and context, community and political preferences and actions and evidence on available resources. The model has been widely used across Canada and worldwide, and has been integrated into many public health organizations' decision-making processes. The model is also used for teaching an evidence-informed public health approach in Masters of Public Health programs around the globe. The model provides a structured approach to integrating evidence from several critical sources into public health decision making. Use of the model helps ensure that important research, contextual and preference information is sought and incorporated. Lessons Next steps for the model include development of a tool to facilitate synthesis of evidence across all four domains. Although Indigenous knowledges are relevant for public health decision making and should be considered as part of a complete assessment the current model does not capture Indigenous knowledges. Key messages Decision making in public health requires integrating the best available evidence, including research findings, local data and context, community and political preferences and available resources. The NCCMT’s model for evidence-informed public health provides a structured approach to integrating evidence from several critical sources into public health decision making.


2018 ◽  
Vol 226 ◽  
pp. 02027
Author(s):  
Irina Cherunova ◽  
Elena Yakovleva ◽  
Ekaterina Stefanova

The article represents trends and results of world investigations for safety of textile materials for humans and environment. The algorithm for identification of potential influence vector of chemical emissions from textile and the environmentally aimed methods based on the alternative chemical substances for textile wet processing were presented. Using the procedure for oleophobic effect determination, the oil resistance levels of a number of modern fabrics for clothes were established. The experimental research results of the oil products concentration in the textile materials after chemical treatment based on the method of the capillary gas chromatography were presented. It was found out that hydrocarbons from C14H30 Tetradecane to С36Н74 Hexatriacontane are the main components with high level of contaminants concentration. The average values of hydrocarbon concentration on the cleaned up samples for the main areas of the clothe surface were determined. Accumulation of residual contaminations, based on saturated hydrocarbons (С17Н36 – С25Н52 block) and related special-purpose clothes areas, was identified. Recommendations for target-oriented correlation of the clothes protective properties were proposed. UWO (unified work order). The research was made in Don State Technical University within the framework of State Assignment of the Ministry of education and science of Russia under the project 11.9194.2017/BCh.


The selection of hospital sites is one of the most important choice a decision maker has to take so as to resist the pandemic. The decision may considerably affect the outbreak transmission in terms of efficiency , budget, etc. The main targeted objective of this study is to find the ideal location where to set up a hospital in the willaya of Oran Alg. For this reason, we have used a geographic information system coupled to the multi-criteria analysis method AHP in order to evaluate diverse criteria of physiological positioning , environmental and economical. Another objective of this study is to evaluate the advanced techniques of the automatic learning . the method of the random forest (RF) for the patterning of the hospital site selection in the willaya of Oran. The result of our study may be useful to decision makers to know the suitability of the sites as it provides a high level of confidence and consequently accelerate the power to control the COVID19 pandemic.


2002 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Brazil ◽  
Stuart MacLeod ◽  
Brian Guest

Health services research has emerged as a tool for decision makers to make services more effective and efficient. While its value as a basis for decision making is well established, the incorporation of such evidence into decision making remains inconsistent. To this end, strengthening collaborative relationships between researchers and healthcare decision makers has been identified as a significant strategy for putting research evidence into practice.


Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Joanna Kulska

The increasingly acknowledged post-secular perspective has resulted in the emergence of some new approaches theorizing this phenomenon. One such approach has been the concept of religious engagement, which calls for the redefinition of the perception of religious non-state actors towards including them as important partners in the process of identifying and realizing political goals. According to this view, due to the multidimensional role played by religious communities and non-state religious actors, they need to be recognized as pivotal in creating a new form of knowledge generated through encounter and dialogue of the political decision-makers with these subjects. Among numerous others, the challenge of migration calls for enhanced debate referring to both political and ethical issues. When such a perspective is applied, the question is raised of the duties and limits of nation-states using more or less harsh political measures towards refugees and migrants based on the concept of security, but also short-term political goals. In the face of a state’s lack of will or capacity to deal with the problem of migration, the question of religion serving not only as the service-provider but also as the “trend-setter” with regard to fundamental ethical questions needs to be considered.


1993 ◽  
Vol 7 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Oxtoby ◽  
Marit Eikaas

The Neuro-care approach offers a holistic, multidisciplinary, patient-centred, continuous strategy of care to unselected groups of neurological patients and their families including those with motor neurone disease (MND). The strategy for MND patients is an adapted version of one piloted on patients with Parkinson's disease. Between April 1990 and September 1992 12 MND patients were diagnosed, of whom five have died. The main features of the care strategy and the guidelines for giving the diagno sis are described. The characteristics of the patient group are identified and the high level of team activity vis-a-vis other patient groups is noted. The maintenance of patients in the community and the lack of resort to permanent institutional care are also recorded. Ethical issues arising during the project are discussed and the problems of measuring outcomes of care are acknowledged. General conclusions for MND management are drawn.


2005 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 1291-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Tomson ◽  
C. Paphassarang ◽  
K. Jönsson ◽  
K. Houamboun ◽  
K. Akkhavong ◽  
...  

2005 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Freddie Choo ◽  
Kim Tan ◽  
Robin Wagner

This short case is best for an open discussion in an upper-division auditing class. The class discussion questions intensify students learning experience on (1) auditors ethical responsibility to resolve tough ethical issues, (2) auditors legal responsibility to detect fraudulent financial reporting, and (3) auditors professional responsibility to conform to auditing standards. Additional class discussion questions, optional hands-on internet experience, and class discussion guide are provided. The case illustrates how a high-technology company succumbed to the pressure of unrealistic financial goals in an industry that is characterized by rapid technology change, intense competitive pressure, and volatile demand patterns for computer chips. High-level management at the company orchestrated fraudulent financial reporting schemes by creating fictitious sales and shipping bogus inventories. The fraud was uncovered only after the companys Board of Directors appointed a third auditor to investigate the sophisticated fraudulent schemes. However, the action came a little too late as the shareholders began to file class-action securities lawsuits against the company and its former auditor.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document