
What kinds of Evidence Check reviews are there?
Comprehensive reviews
Comprehensive reviews are detailed syntheses of relevant research evidence relating to a defined research question. Depending on your needs and the evidence available the review may take many forms, ranging from a systematic review of all relevant high quality research studies to more informal overviews of evidence from several sources (including grey literature).
Rapid reviews
Rapid reviews are brief syntheses of research relating to a highly targeted question conducted over a very short time frame (a few weeks). Evidence is primarily drawn from existing high quality reviews and/or large-scale trials, and some expert opinion may be offered.
Headline reviews
Headline reviews provide short briefings on the current status of main research findings and emerging research.
Disclaimer
Evidence Check Reviews are produced using the Evidence Check methodology in response to specific questions from a commissioning agency. They are not necessarily comprehensive reviews of all literature relating to a topic area. Reviews were current at the time of production (but not necessarily at the time of publication). They are reproduced for general information and third parties rely upon them at their own risk.
Click on the headings below for details about the following Evidence Check reviews.
For more information please email gabriel.moore@saxinstitute.org.au
This review examines national and international studies of after hours care service models and the extent of their impact on acute care and ambulance services. It also identifies the models' feasibility and acceptability, their success factors and differences according to rural, regional and metropolitan areas.
Fry M. November 2008.
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This review identifies the types of physical activity that are most effective in reducing the risk of falls in older adults, and the frequency and intensity of physical activity that is likely to be effective. The review also identifies characteristics of successful program delivery in community and residential home care settings.
Sherrington C, Lord SR, Close JCT. November 2008.
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This report identifies physical activity measures for inclusion in population health surveys for older adults. The report includes a review of generic physical activity measures and falls-related physical activity. It also reports on issues such as balance, strength training, flexibility and adherence to and maintenance of exercise programs.
Bauman A. November 2008.
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This report reviews avenues to address conflict in end of life care which can occur between clinicians, between patients and their relatives; or between the relatives of patients. It also addresses conflicts within society concerning expectations of medical care. The report reviews proactive measures to avoid end of life conflict as well as dispute resolution.
Hillman K, Chen J. September 2008.
This review examines what types of primary prevention programs in the workplace are most likely to be effective in changing risk factors and reducing rates of chronic disease. Strong evidence was found in relation to workplace programs on tobacco control, physical activity, nutrition, and stress as well as multi-component programs. The report also reviews indicative evidence in other areas.
Bellew B. August 2008.
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These three reviews identify community participation tools used by health systems to engage communities and consumers: as individuals (e.g. treatment decisions); to obtain feedback on programs and services (e.g. in the ward or in planning processes); and in broad level community consultations. Tools to engage special interest groups and using internet consultations are given particular attention.
Bruce N, Cordwell L, McBride T. April 2008.
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This review identifies programs that are likely to be effective in preventing obesity when delivered at an Area Health Service level. The report summarises behaviours that have the best potential to prevent obesity in different age groups, and identifies the most promising interventions for achieving these changes in behaviours. The report also makes recommendations regarding the strategies that are likely to be of most value to Area Health Services.
Gill T, King L, Hector D, Hattersley L, Farrell L, Chau J. July 2007.
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This report identifies health promotion strategies that have been shown to be effective in changing health behaviour at the population level. The report includes a summary of common success factors across population health programs. It also identifies effective strategies in specific fields of population health, including injury prevention, drugs and alcohol, HIV and AIDS, nutrition, and physical activity.
Bellew B. July 2007.
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This report comprises 14 'headline' reviews. The reviews summarise the best available evidence for the cost-effectiveness of a range of health promotion interventions (13 reviews); an overview of rapid reviews on the cost-effectiveness of prevention is also included (1 review). Topics covered in the reviews include falls prevention interventions, cancer screening, needle exchange programs, and programs to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
Various authors. March 2007.
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This review draws on demographic and epidemiological data to identify culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The review explores people's views about diabetes and diabetes risks, and identifies the most effective approaches for preventing diabetes and other chronic diseases amongst specific CALD groups.
Colagiuri R, Thomas M, Buckley A. January 2007.
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This report comprises eight brief 'headline' reviews. The reviews summarise the best available evidence for a range of chronic disease prevention strategies, with a focus on diet and physical activity interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes onset. The reviews consider different settings, the impact of intensity of intervention and follow-up, and the cost-effectiveness of programs.
Various authors. October 2006.
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