Searching & Browsing: Databases Searched
Essential Evidence Plus searches 7 different databases. Select one of the databases listed below for a description of the database and its purpose, as well as an example of how it can be used in the clinical decision process.
- Essential Evidence
- EBM Guidelines
- Decision Support Calculators
- POEMs
- Diagnostic Test Calculators
- History and Physical Test Calculators
- Abstracts of Cochrane Systematic Reviews
- Evidence-based Practice Guideline Summaries
These additional resources are also available:
- Number Needed to Treat
- Derm Expert
- Understanding Diagnostic Calculators
- Patient Education Handouts (Web only)
Diagnostic Test Calculators
Calculators of the clinical performance of a diagnostic test
Purpose: To help clinicians choose the best diagnostic test and interpret the test results
Example: The calculator answers questions such as: What is the best test to rule out renal artery stenosis? What is the likelihood to Trichomonal infection in women with Trichomonas on pap smear? What is the 10-year mortality risk for a patient who smokes and has hypertension?
Detailed Description: The tool offers test characteristics and an estimate of the probability of disease before doing the test. The calculator also outlines the probability of the disease based upon the results of test. Users can choose from one of several tests based on what is available and whether they are interested in ruling-in or ruling-out a disease. Additionally, users can change the probability of disease based upon a clinical decision rule or gestalt. This allows users to tailor test result interpretations to the clinical circumstances.
See Understanding Diagnostic Calculators for more information.