The Evidence Pyramid offers guidance on how to evaluate research. As we begin the research process, we often start at the bottom, looking at expert opinion and background information, working our way up the pyramid as we fulfill our research goals. Where you end on the pyramid will depend on the type of project you are wanting to complete. This goes for if you are completing a research paper or doing your own research.
The Levels of EBM chart works in parallel with the Evidence Pyramid. EBM is the practical application of current research in the health sciences. This chart will help determine what kind of report you are looking at as well as let you know where your own work qualifies.
Evidence synthesis is a type of research method that brings all the information together on your particular topic or question. Each piece of research has it's own place in the chart, which is important to know when you are completing your own evidence synthesis project. There are several types but this guide mainly focuses on Literature Review, Systematic Review, Technical Writing, and Evidence-Based Medicine.
It can be used for a number of things including identifying knowledge gaps, establishing best-practice guidance, and informing groups such as policymakers and practitioners.
“Evidence Pyramid” by Tufts University can be reused under the BY-NC-SA license 4.0
Levels of Evidence Based Medicine Chart: Chung KC, Swanson JA, Schmitz D, et al. Introducing evidence- based medicine to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 2009;123:1385–1389.
