Resource of the week #6: Cochrane Library

What is it?

The Cochrane Library publishes analysis and reviews of research studies that look at the same problem. The aim is to combine research and develop a consensus view of the problem involved, based on the evidence.

The Cochrane Library also provides a database which allows you to complete searches against the systematic review collection as well as other collections. You can also browse through the topic list of systematic reviews.

Key Features

Systematic reviews are developed by completing systematic, detailed literature searches and critical appraisal to identify the relevant evidence.
Reviewers often perform meta-analysis to combine results.
Conclusions are drawn based on the overall evidence.

You can find details of the search within the full-text of the complete review.

Whilst reviews can be very detailed, technical and long, there is often a plain language summary.

How can it help you?

Cochrane Library systematic reviews can help you to:

Determine what the latest research about a topic says
Assess whether there is evidence already available for the topic you are looking at
Find existing articles on a topic, by checking the reference list

How to access it?

The Cochrane Library is freely available on the Internet. You can run searches and view the full-text of the Cochrane systematic reviews. However some of the articles returned via the search facility will not be available in full-text. You should check your Journal A-Z list to see if you have access.

Cochrane Library Video

What is a Cochrane Systematic Review?

eTutorial

Cochrane Library: Finding Systematic Reviews - here is an introduction to the Cochrane Library and demonstration of how to find a systematic review

Cochrane Library: Advanced Search - use the advanced search options to find systematic reviews and clinical trials

Did you know?

Cochrane produce a number of blogs, Evidently Cochrane, that discuss review findings and how they apply to practice.

More help?

Check our Cochrane Library help page for more help.

Comments

Login to Library Search – step-by-step instructions for NHS staff

Library Search is a discovery tool, allowing you to find items within the library collections. You can search Library Search without logging in to view books and ebooks available in our collections. By logging in to your library account on Library Search you can access a range of additional functionality, such as: Viewing details of your library account Submitting a request to hold a book for you Adding items to your e-bookshelf Saving searches Note that for NHS users logging in to Library Search does not give you access to full-text items. As an NHS member of staff you access online resources using your NHS OpenAthens username. Anatomy of a Library Card First let’s take a quick look at the most important components of your library card. Your library card and library card number give you access to print resources as well as library services. They confirm that you are a member of the library. Your name : this will be printed on your card, so you’ll know it’s yours!...

Clinical Key - Getting Started

Clinical Key has now been purchased for our UHNM users only. Clinical Key offers you: Clinical Specialist Search Engine SmartSearch to find answers quickly Access to ebooks Full-text ejournals Evidence-based topics Images & Videos Watch this short youtube video for a quick overview Athens You will need an NHS Athens username / password to log in to Clinical Key. If you don’t already have an Athens username register online by completing this online form . For more help using Athens see our web page . Login If you link to Clinical Key from the link on the Health Library Healthcare Resources page then you will go straight to the Athens login page. Otherwise from the Clinical Key login page, make sure that you click the OpenAthens login link and enter your Athens username / password when prompted. Screen-shot of the Clinical Key login screen, remember to use the OpenAthens link. Activate To use many of the really useful features such a...

CASP Checklist – complete online and download

You can now complete the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist online, then download and save it. Use the CASP checklists to help you to critically appraise different published research studies. You can now complete the form online, then download and save to your computer. Great for keeping a record of your critical appraisals and to add to your CPD or skills portfolio. screen-shot of an edited CASP checklist

Information Skills for Health

Search This Blog