Frequently Asked Questions

The idea arose in 2014 when it was noticed that most managers had difficulty finding scientific evidence to support their health decisions. A mapping of the main types of questions and the best types of scientific studies to answer them was initiated. This mapping served as the basis for the construction of advanced search strategies in the main databases of the VHL. The next step was to build a tool that would facilitate the combination of these search strategies in a simple way through different paths, also called search trails.

A search strategy is a set of technically formulated rules that make it possible to match a research question with the information stored in a database. It consists of combining the most appropriate keywords for each database to enable a sensitive cut or specific content within a certain theme. The search strategies of EVID@EASY were formulated and validated by specialists to ensure the retrieval of evidence that best addresses different types of questions within specific themes. The list of search strategies for the set of questions that guide the health decision-making process is available at  VHL Search Strategy Repository. See also: What are the EVID@Easy trails? What is the search strategy associated with each trail?

The EVID@Easy trails can be understood as guided paths that lead to the most suitable studies to answer a specific research problem. From a theme or a goal of the Third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3), the problem, the stage of the decision-making process for which evidence is being sought, and the specific interest related to the problem are indicated. Each option has behind it a search strategy developed by specialized librarians in bibliographic research at the VHL and validated by professionals specialized in evidence-informed health policy formulation. The search strategies associated with the decision-making process stage and their possible combinations can be consulted in this file - mapa-mental-evid@easy.pdf or in the Search Strategy Repository at the VHL. The search strategies for these 16 questions can be combined with dozens of other strategies for health problems, generating hundreds of possible combinations that guide the user in their search for evidence that can answer their question or information need. The search strategies for health problems can be consulted in the Search Strategy Repository at the VHL.

The EVID@Easy trails can be understood as guided paths that lead to the most suitable studies to answer a specific research problem. From a theme or a goal of the Third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3), the problem, the stage of the decision-making process for which evidence is being sought, and the specific interest related to the problem are indicated. Each option has behind it a search strategy developed by specialized librarians in bibliographic research at the VHL and validated by professionals specialized in evidence-informed health policy formulation. The search strategies associated with the decision-making process stage and their possible combinations can be consulted in this file - mapa-mental-evid@easy.pdf or in the VHL Search Strategy Repository. The search strategies for these 16 questions can be combined with dozens of other strategies for health problems, generating hundreds of possible combinations that guide the user in their search for evidence that can answer their question or information need. The search strategies for health problems can be consulted in the Search Strategy Repository at the VHL

EVID@Easy is a search tool of the VHL, created to guide searches in the collection of databases that are part of it. The tool offers an innovative way to search, where advanced search skills are not necessary to reach the most accurate results: just follow the steps presented and combine the multiple options offered by the tool to obtain search results with the available evidence in the VHL.

EVID@Easy is integrated into the VHL, so any search conducted through the tool will be processed in the more than 40 databases in its collection, such as: LILACS, MedCarib, MEDLINE; institutional repositories - WHO-IRIS, PAHO-IRIS; specialized databases such as BDENF, MOSAICO, BRISA, BIGG, PIE, Hanseniasis, Disasters; national databases, for example, CUMED, SUS Collection, LIPECS, ARGMSAL among others.

The results presented in the EVID@Easy search are evidence from scientific studies available in the VHL, among which systematic reviews of effects and observational studies, health technology assessments, economic evaluations and cost-effectiveness, qualitative studies, and policy briefs stand out, among others.

What makes EVID@Easy different from other tools is the guided search approach based on questions and needs of the health decision-making process. EVID@Easy is based on the traditional stages of the decision-making process, which are: understanding the problem, finding options to address the problem, how to implement intervention options for the problem, and how to evaluate the impact of interventions. For each decision stage, we may have a more appropriate type of study (evidence) in methodological terms. For example, prevalence and incidence studies can contribute to understanding a health problem.Based on this logic, trails (paths) were drawn and search strategies were formulated that mainly consider the type of study that can best answer the presented question. Thus, the trails lead the user to studies with the greatest potential to meet their different decision-making needs. See also: What are the EVID@Easy trails? Moreover, EVID@Easy is available in 4 languages, with free and open access.

Described in the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda, the SDGs are among the main recent achievements in sustainability worldwide. They represent a global action plan to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, provide quality lifelong education for all, protect the planet, and promote peaceful and inclusive societies by 2030. Goal 3 (SDG3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and health managers are increasingly required to identify their initiatives alongside SDG3 to justify the use of public resources. It covers key health topics, including reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, traffic accidents, universal health coverage, environmental health, and strengthening health systems.

Open Access means the online and unrestricted availability of research results. Although the VHL is freely and openly accessible, some of the databases that make up its indices are referential, i.e., they refer to (index) articles published in different scientific journals. Some of these journals may have access restrictions on full texts imposed by their publishers.

EVID@Easy searches the VHL, whose databases are updated daily and in a decentralized manner. In addition, new search trails are periodically added to the tool, increasing its retrieval power.

EVID@Easy is a tool in constant evolution. Among BIREME's plans is the incorporation of artificial intelligence algorithms that consider context and other variables that can improve search accuracy. Furthermore, the classification by relevance of the retrieved studies in relation to the presented problem.

The application of evidence in health management involves using information from clinical and scientific research to guide management decisions and the implementation of health policies. Some ways to apply it are:

• Use of evidence-based protocols: Evidence-based clinical protocols provide clear guidance to healthcare professionals on the most effective treatment for a given health condition. Health managers can use these guidelines to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment.
• Analysis of data trends: Analyzing trends in health data can help identify patterns of health and disease, as well as gaps in healthcare delivery and practices. Analyzing this data can aid in decision-making regarding resource allocation and the development of health policies.
• Promotion of health research: Promoting research in health can help generate new evidence to guide management and decision-making in healthcare. Healthcare managers can support and encourage clinical research to generate new information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
• Evidence-based action culture: Healthcare managers can promote evidence-based education for healthcare professionals and patients, providing clear and accurate information about the latest evidence in healthcare and encouraging the practice of evidence-based care.

Types of evidence commonly used in supporting the development of health policies:

• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses: Systematic reviews synthesize and analyze a set of primary studies on a specific topic or research question. Meta-analysis is a statistical technique used to combine the results of different studies into a single quantitative analysis. These reviews provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and impact of health interventions, aiding in the identification of best practices and evidence-based policies.
• Impact evaluation studies: Impact evaluation studies aim to analyze the effects of health policies, programs, or interventions on the target population. These studies investigate whether a specific policy or intervention has produced the desired outcomes and evaluate its effectiveness. They may include the analysis of health indicators, clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and long-term outcomes.
• Cost-effectiveness studies and economic analyses: These studies assess the costs and benefits of health interventions, comparing different alternatives to make informed decisions about allocating limited resources. Economic analyses may include evaluating the cost per unit of outcome (e.g., cost per life saved), cost-utility (e.g., quality-adjusted life years), and other relevant metrics.
• Public health evidence: Derived from studies and research in public health, such as epidemiology, health monitoring, trend analysis, and population data analysis. This evidence helps in understanding the health needs of the population, identifying priority issues, and defining health policies to address these problems.
• It is worth noting that combining various sources of evidence can provide a more comprehensive and reliable understanding of a health issue and, therefore, help in making better decisions.

• As a tool for evidence-based practice, systems have been developed to evaluate the quality of evidence and to grade the strength of recommendations. These systems aim to inform the confidence in the presented evidence and the emphasis on whether a particular conduct should be adopted or rejected.
• In this context, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) stands out, a system developed by a collaborative group of researchers aimed at creating a universal, transparent, and sensitive system for grading the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. Currently, more than 80 international institutions use GRADE, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Cochrane.

  To learn more about the GRADE system: GRADE WORKING GROUP. Disponível em: https://www.gradeworkinggroup.org/ Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos. Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia. Diretrizes metodológicas: Sistema GRADE – Manual de graduação da qualidade da evidência e força de recomendação para tomada de decisão em saúde. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2014. Disponível em: https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/diretrizes_metodologicas_sistema_grade.pdf Lewin S, Oxman AD, Lavis JN, Fretheim A. Ferramentas SUPPORT para a elaboração de políticas de saúde baseadas em evidências (STP): Decidindo até que ponto uma revisão sistemática pode ser considerada confiável. Disponível em: http://sintese.evipnet.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/PORT-STP-8-KO-050510.pdf

After defining the thematic area and subthemes, DeCS terms and free terms (meaningful words) are identified in the corresponding languages. Once the search strategies are tested in the databases and have satisfactory results, they are finalized and registered at VHL Search Strategy Repository. For more details on search strategy development, visit: How to search

Strategies are submitted for processing via Github, pointing to the link of the repository publication.

Changes are made in the Wizzard service, manageable at the following address: https://iahx-wizard.bireme.org/

Daily, the BVS databases are processed, and new records that meet the search strategies defined for EVID@EASY are tagged and recovered in the tool.

Security updates (application of security patches) and frameworks. Periodic processing of databases to ensure the tagging of new records and thus ensure their retrieval in the predefined searches of EVID@EASY. Periodic review of strategies to ensure that the retrieved records are consistent with the strategy's proposal (in volume and relevance).

In case of problems, the following checklist is suggested:   If the EVID@EASY homepage is down:

1. a) Check the availability of servers hosting the page.
2. b) Check via WordPress admin if the page is properly configured.

  If the search screen via Wizzard is not appearing: Check the availability of the Wizzard service.   If after selecting all filters there are no search results displayed:

1. a) Check the availability of the BVS search service;
2. b) Review the Wizzard configuration for the selected filters.

  If search results do not bring relevant records:

1. a) Review the Wizzard configuration for the selected filters;
2. b) Review the search strategy and request re-processing if necessary.