QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Résumé Extracto Full Text PDF Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Articles Ahead of Print [Order Reprint] Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Charrois, T. L Articles by Tsuyuki, R. T Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Charrois, T. L Articles by Tsuyuki, R. T

Systematic Reviews of Pharmacy Practice Research: Methodologic Issues in Searching, Evaluating, Interpreting, and Disseminating Results

Research Associate, EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Tamara Durec, BSc(Pharm) MLIS

Contract Research Librarian, EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta

Ross T Tsuyuki, BSc(Pharm) PharmD MSc FCSHP FACC

Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), Department of Medicine, University of Alberta

Reprints: Dr. Tsuyuki, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 220 College Plaza, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8, Canada, fax 780/492.6059, ross.tsuyuki{at}ualberta.ca

Although there has been a large number of trials on pharmacist care, often demonstrating clinically significant benefits, the trials generally have not changed practice or healthcare policy. What is needed are focused evidence syntheses, such as a systematic review. A systematic review is defined as a summary that addresses a focused clinical question, using methods to reduce the likelihood of bias. These reviews, which are the highest level of evidence, can help to impact policy by bringing together results of various trials. However, systematic reviews of practice research pose some unique methodologic challenges, including issues with searching, interpreting, and evaluating the available research. Well-conducted systematic reviews of pharmacist interventions could go a long way toward changing pharmacy practice and healthcare policy to recognize the important impact that pharmacists could have in the healthcare system.

Key Words: outcomes, pharmacy practice, systematic reviews

Published Online, December 2, 2008. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1L302

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. L Charrois and R. T Tsuyuki Comment: Sensitivity of Patient Outcomes to Pharmacist Interventions. Part III: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Hyperlipidemia Management Ann. Pharmacother., April 1, 2009; 43(4): 793 - 794. [Full Text] [PDF]