Searching evidence-based information can be challenging. The pyramid evidence hierarchy model guides research by provided both filtered and unfiltered sources. The pyramid of evidence hierarchy is an alternative model of evidence that informs decision-making in healthcare practice (Mulimani, 2017). More importantly, it helps visualize the quality of evidence as well as the amount of evidence. An understanding of the pyramid hierarchy of evidence helps one appreciate and identify the reliable levels of research. In the clinical field, different clinical can be answered using varying study designs. There are instances when quality evidence from systematic reviews will not be available; hence one should search for evidence as they go down the pyramid.
Most versions of pyramid versions of evidence hierarchy place weaker studies at the bottom of the hierarchy (Murad et al., 2016). Systematic reviews and meta-analysis are at the top of the pyramid due to their ability to answer all clinical questions. Differing study styles guide various levels of clinical practice. In clinical practices, practitioners need evidence during therapy, etiology, diagnosis, prevention, prognosis, and quality improvement. For instance, in determining the appropriate therapy, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analysis as well as cohort studies, are ideal.
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The pyramid model is appealing, and hence I would use it in practice due to the fact that the use of a top-down approach is ideal when locating the best-evidence for research and practice. Being at the highest level of the pyramid, systematic reviews provide the best evidence. However, such reviews are less common, with only a few existing in different fields (Mulimani, 2017). The quality of evidence decreases as one goes down the pyramid, with expert opinions on different topics being widely available. By ranking study types based on the studies’, research methods’ strength and precision, the pyramid hierarchy enables individual to apply evidence-based guidelines in practice with ease.
References
Mulimani, P. S. (2017). Evidence-based practice and the evidence pyramid: A 21st century orthodontic Odyssey. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics , 152 (1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2017.03.020
Murad, M. H., Asi, N., Alsawas, M., & Alahdab, F. (2016). New evidence pyramid. Evidence Based Medicine , 21 (4), 125-127. https://doi.org/10.1136/ebmed-2016-110401
