Evidence-based dental practice: Part II. Levels and quality of evidence, and research designs
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Date
2007-07-01
Authors
Adeyemo, W.L.
Akinwande, J.A.
Bamgbose, B.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nig Q J Hosp Med
Abstract
The ability to make a sound clinical decision is based largely on the quality of evidence and the practitioner's ability to evaluate this evidence. Clinical evidence are categorized and ranked according to the strength of their freedom from the various biases that beset medical research. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the "gold standard" by which all clinical research is judged. Systematic reviews/meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials where available are considered the highest level in the evidence hierarchy (clinical questions related to therapy or interventions). However, this hierarchy of evidence can not answer all clinical questions especially the ones regarding diagnosis, aetiology or prognosis. For questions related to diagnosis, prognosis or causation, other study designs such as longitudinal studies, cohort studies or case-control studies are more appropriate. The present article discusses the levels and quality of evidence, and basic concepts of clinical research design in evidence-based dental practice based on review of existing literature.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Evidence-based dentistry , Evidence-based dental practice , Research Subject Categories::ODONTOLOGY
Citation
Adeyemo WL, Akinwande JA, Bamgbose BO. Evidence-based dental practice: Part II. Levels and quality of evidence, and research designs. Nig Q J Hosp Med. 2007 Jul-Sep;17(3):120-5.