Directions for Use of the Individual Evidence Summary Tool
Purpose
This form is used to document the results of evidence appraisal in preparation for evidence synthesis. The form provides the EBP team with documentation of the sources of evidence used, the year the evidence was published or otherwise communicated, the information gathered from each evidence source that helps the team answer the EBP question, and the level and quality of each source of evidence.
Article Number
Assign a number to each reviewed source of evidence. This organizes the individual evidence summary and provides an easy way to reference articles.
Author and Date
Indicate the last name of the first author or the evidence source and the publication/communication date. List both author/evidence source and date.
Evidence Type
Indicate the type of evidence reviewed (for example: RCT, meta-analysis, mixed methods, quaLitative, systematic review, case study, narrative literature review).
Sample, Sample Size, and Setting
Provide a quick view of the population, number of participants, and study location.
Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
Although the reviewer may find many points of interest, list only findings that directly apply to the EBP question.
Observable Measures
QuaNtitative measures or variables are used to answer a research question, test a hypothesis, describe characteristics, or determine the effect, impact, or influence. QuaLitative evidence uses cases, context, opinions, experiences, and thoughts to represent the phenomenon of study.
Limitations
Include information that may or may not be within the text of the article regarding drawbacks of the piece of evidence. The evidence may list limitations, or it may be evident to you, as you review the evidence, that an important point is missed or the sample does not apply to the population of interest.
Evidence Level and Quality
Using information from the individual appraisal tools, transfer the evidence level and quality rating into this column.
