How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine

How to Read a Paper describes the different types of clinical research reporting, and explains how to critically appraise the publications. The book provides the tools to find and evaluate the literature, and implement the findings in an evidence-based, patient-centered way. Written for anyone in the health care professions who has little or no knowledge of evidence-based medicine, it provides a clear understanding of the concepts and how to put them into practice at the basic, clinical level.

Changes for the 4^th edition
The fourth edition will include two new chapters on important developments in health care research and delivery, but otherwise retains its original style, size, and scope.

• New chapter on quality improvement – describing papers on quality improvement projects using ebm methods; this will extend the readership to non clinical health care professionals working in hospitals and family practice, and to nurse specialists and practice nurses working in this field
• New chapter on complex interventions - how to set up research projects involving both qualitative and quantitative methodology (known as mixed methods)
• Thorough revision and updating of existing chapters and references
• New illustrations – diagrammatic representations of ebm concepts

The book that health professionals turn to for a full and clear explanation of the principles of evidence-based medicine.

The author's descriptions of clinical research papers and how to critically appraise them are so simply presented as to be understandable by readers at all levels, from student to specialist. Chapters on searching the literature and implementing the evidence provide guidance on using evidence-based medicine in clinical practice.

This fourth edition retains the winning style, and takes in the recent developments and shifts of emphasis in evidence-based medicine and now includes:

• Thoroughly revised and updated chapters on searching, qualitative research, systematic review, and implementing evidence-based practice
• 2 new chapters on quality improvement and the emerging field of complex interventions

This new edition will be welcomed by those who teach and those needing to learn the basics of evidence-based medicine.Praise for previous editions

"One of the greatest aspects of this book is the section relating to searching the literature and whilst we may think we may all practise this on a fairly regular basis under the assumption that we do a pretty decent job of it, this section holds the key to excelling."
From a review in Urology News

"This clear and concise book provides an excellent starting point for those interested in finding their way through the medical literature."
From a review in Palliative Medicine