Evidence-Based Research Series-Paper 2 : Using an Evidence-Based Research approach before a new study is conducted to ensure value

Hans Lund,Carsten B Juhl,Birgitte Nørgaard,Eva Draborg,Marius Henriksen,Jane Andreasen,Robin Christensen,Mona Nasser,Donna Ciliska,Mike Clarke,Peter Tugwell,Janet Martin,Caroline Blaine,Klara Brunnhuber,Karen A Robinson

doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.07.019

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThere is considerable actual and potential waste in research. The aim of this article is to describe how using an evidence-based research approach before conducting a study helps to ensure that the new study truly adds value. Study Design and SettingEvidence-based research is the use of prior research in a systematic and transparent way to inform a new study so that it is answering questions that matter in a valid, efficient, and accessible manner. In this second article of the evidence-based research series, we describe how to apply an evidence-based research approach before starting a new study. ResultsBefore a new study is performed, researchers need to provide a solid justification for it using the available scientific knowledge as well as the perspectives of end users. The key method for both is to conduct a systematic review of earlier relevant studies. ConclusionDescribing the ideal process illuminates the challenges and opportunities offered through the suggested evidence-based research approach. A systematic and transparent approach is needed to provide justification for and to optimally design a relevant and necessary new study.

Highlights

We mean original studies, but even when planning a new systematic review, the authors should perform a comprehensive search for earlier similar systematic reviews to avoid redundancy [2,3]. In this second of a three-part series, we describe how using the evidence-based research approach before starting a study helps to ensure its value
Apart from a few exceptions [73], funding agencies have not yet implemented this requirement [74]. By itself it does not address all issues required to demonstrate the value of new research, the evidencebased research approach is a crucial part of the process of justifying and designing a new study
Proposing the evidence-based research approach to justify and design new studies, we recognize that there are a number of important challenges

Summary

Introduction

H. Lund et al / Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 129 (2021) 158e166 What is new?. There is considerable actual and potential waste in research. The aim of this article is to describe how using an evidence-based research approach before conducting a study helps to ensure that the new study truly adds value

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion