Evidence Reports

Reports produced by the CCE are of three levels -- (1) literature searches with assessment of methodology; (2) critical appraisals; and (3) full reports. All reports involve a systematic search of the published literature. Critical appraisals are evaluative summaries of identified studies based on standard templates. Full reports include syntheses of the available evidence using standard processes.  

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• 88 Critical Appraisals (Sorted alphabetically)
• 100 Full Reports (Sorted alphabetically)

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88 Critical Appraisals (Sorted alphabetically)

1. Allied health interventions for Friedreich's ataxia Apr 2001
2. Aminocaproic acid for post-thrombolytic cerebral bleeds Jun 2001
3. Anticoagulation prophylaxis for DVT and PE in neurosurgery Feb 2002
4. Assessing the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition for simultaneous renal and pancreatic transplant patients Rebecca Ryan Nov 2003
5. Are low ambient light levels and low sound levels beneficial to premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit? Sep 1999
6. Biprosthetic and mechanical aortic replacement valves for left ventricular hypertrophy Feb 1999
7. Bisphosphonates for children and adolescents Nov 1999
8. Bleeding patterns with long term hormone replacement therapy and their correlations with endometrial pathology Jul 2000
9. Botulinum toxin A for upper limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy Feb 2001
10. Calendula for perineal healing following childbirth Jan 2002
11. Carbonated drinks as first-line therapy for esophageal foreign bodies presenting to the emergency department. Rebecca Ryan Dec 2003
12. Carotid stenting versus carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention in patients with carotid stenosis Sep 2000
13. Chronic fatigue syndrome - exercise and cognitive behaviour therapies Dec 2001
14. Clopidogrel and bleeding during CABG Mar 2002
15. Cognitive impairment in Friedreich's ataxia May 2001
16. Computer assisted decision support systems for improved clinical outcomes Oct 2000
17. Contraception for protection from exposure to chemotherapy products in body fluids Jul 2001
18. Cutaneous antiseptics (povidone iodine, 70% alcohol, chlorhexidine) for preventing peripheral intravenous catheter-related infection Oct 1998
19. "Day of surgery" versus "day before" admission for cardiac surgery Oct 2001
20. Detail the utilization of competencies/acrediation in the nursing profession Nov 1999
21. Diagnosing iron deficiency in patients with chronic renal failure. Tari Turner Sep 2003
22. Dipstick urinalysis for screening of childhood urinary tract infection Apr 2003
23. Disposable or reusable gowns and drapes and surgical site infections Nov 2001
24. Do cardiac surgical patients on clopidogrel bleed more and require more blood transfusions than those not on clopidogrel Nov 1999
25. Early Intervention in Premature Infants Mar 2001
26. Effectiveness of assistive equipment in patients discharged from acute facilities. Simon Higgins Aug 2003
27. Electroconvulsive therapy for bipolar mood disorders during pregnancy May 2001
28. Exercise therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain Aug 2002
29. Face masks by non-scrub team operating staff and surgical wound infection rates Sep 1999
30. Falls prevention strategies for institutionalised older patients Feb 1999
31. Femoral nerve block for pain relief in patients with femoral neck fractures Apr 2001
32. Flushing of PICC lines Apr 2002
33. For women in labour, which birth positions have been shown to be related to better outcomes with respect to urinary incontinence? May 1999
34. Gout or uric acid are cardiac risk factors? Apr 2002
35. Hip resurfacing in patients with osteoarthritis Nov 2002
36. Heel prick versus venipuncture for blood sampling in neonates Jun 2001
37. Hiprex and vitamin C in the management of urethral catheters Aug 2001
38. Hydrotherapy for spinal pain Sep 1998
39. Infant formula versus breast milk for the prevention of allergies in neonates May 2001
40. Infection control liaison (link) programs improve patient infection rates Feb 2002
41. Intermittent calf compression versus electrical calf stimulation in preventing deep venous thrombosis in high-risk surgical patients Aug 2001
42. Is a digital rectal examination necessary in conscious trauma patients with no clinical evidence of a pelvic fracture or neurological abnormality? Simon French Sep 2003
43. Is cognistat (neuro-behavioural cognitive status exam) a superior cognitive screen than the mini-mental state exam in adult patients? Oct 2002
44. Kangaroo versus standard care for low birth weight infants Jun  2001
45. Language and speech deficits in adolescents with mental health problems Jul   2000
46. Lavender oil for perineal healing following childbirth palsy Jan  2002
47. Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for haemofiltration Feb 2001
48. Magnets for the alleviating chronic muscular pain Oct  2001
49. Massage for patients in intensive care Aug 1999
50. Mood stabilisers for bipolar mood disorders during pregnancy May 2001
51. Multidisciplinary care for chronic low back pain Simon French Oct 2003
52. Needleless versus conventional intravenous systems May 2001
53. Number of prenatal visits and patient satisfaction Nov 1999
54. Nurse-initiated x-rays of possible limb fractures in emergency departments Jul 2000
55. Observations for normal term neonates Sep 2000
56. Octreotide for enteric and pancreatic fistulae Mar 2001
57. 'Open' versus 'closed' systems for enteral feeding Oct 2002
58. Optimum number of consecutive nights for shift workers Jun  2002
59. Oral or Intravenous Cyclophosphamide for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? Tari Turner Dec 2003
60. Outpatient multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with chronic respiratory conditions Jun  2002
61. Oxygen versus medical air for nebulisers in patients with COPD Simon Higgins Nov 2003
62. Perception of friends and relatives of the intensive care unit Nov 1999
63. Pre & postoperative blood glucose levels and the risk of deep surgical infection May 2003
64. Physiotherapy after Colles' fracture Sep 1998
65. Postoperative management of cardiac surgery patients in recovery rooms versus intensive care units Aug 2001
66. Prophylactic b-adrenergic blocking agents given perioperatively for preventing post-operative cardiac adverse events Jun  2000
67. Proton pump inhibitors versus H2 antagonists or placebo in treating bleeding peptic ulcer Jan 2002
68. Risk of cancer in ulcerative colitis May 2001
69. Risk of cross infection with shared infant feeding equipment Jul 2001
70. Ropivacaine versus bupivacaine as an intercostal block for pain management in adult cardiac surgery patients May 2001
71. Sensory integration therapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Mar 2001
72. Single dose dexamethasone for preventing relapse of migraine Mar 2000
73. Smoke plume from laser or electric surgical procedures as a health hazard Jan  2000
74. Support groups for nursing staff morale Jul   1999
75. Tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia ) for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus Jan  1999
76. The accuracy of Bioelectric impedance analysis in assessing fat free mass in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Feb 2004
77. The benefit of moving antenatal classes out of the hospital into the community Jun  2002
78. The Measels-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine (MMR) and Autism Jun 2003
79. Thoracotomy versus thoracoscopy for empyema in children Dec 2000
80. Thorough cleaning of non-critical patient equipment Mar 2001
81. Time to commencement of oral feeding following laryngectomy Oct 2001
82. Transvaginal ultrasound for detecting endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy Jun  2000
83. Vasospasm following subarachnoid haemorrhage: papaverine infusion, nimodipine infusion or balloon angioplasty? May 2003
84. What are the criteria for admission/re-admission to an intensive care unit? Oct 1999
85. What influences a nurse's decision-making skill? Oct 1999
86. What is the effect of pre-operative essential hypertension on outcome following elective surgery? Nov 1999
87. What is the incidence or temporary epicardial pacemakers requiring troubleshooting. Feb 2000
88. What is the optimal position for patients with drug induced or non drug induced partial or total paralysis in intensive care Mar 2000

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101 Full Reports (Sorted alphabetically)

1. Accelerated rehabilitation for fractures of the femoral neck Jun 1999
2. Acetylcysteine for the prevention of reduced renal function caused by contrast agents Jan 2001
3. Antibiotics and steroids for pain and haemorrhaging after tonsillectomy Jul 2000
4. Antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis:  Ampicillin, metronidazole plus gentamycin versus cephalosporin Jul 2002
5. Anticoagulation therapy and risk of cerebral haemorrhage in patients with cerebral metastases Jun 2001
6. Antiseptic cleansing of the birth canal and perineum for reducing maternal and neonatal infections Oct 1998
7. Arterial and venous graft patency following coronary artery bypass surgery Jan 1999
8. Aspiration of nasogastric tubes in infants Tari Turner, Claire Harris Health For Kids Feb 2005
9. Assessment of neonatal jaundice in a multicultural population Sep 1998
10. Assessing long-term therapy for the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse  May 2003
11. Barrier devices for preventing transmission of infection during mouth to mouth ventilation Oct 1999
12. Below-knee versus full-length thromboembolic deterrent garments for preventing deep venous thrombosis Jun 2001
13. Biopsies and frozen sections of lipolymph nodes for detecting metastases in prostatic and uterine cancers Aug 1998
14. Birth stools and the risk of perineal tears in women in the second stage of labour Jun 2001
15. Bolus versus continuous infusion of antibiotics in paediatric patients and its effect on intravenous access patency May 2002
16. Carbogen gas for sudden sensorineural hearing loss Dec 2000
17. Clomiphene citrate for pregnancy rates in infertile women who ovulate spontaneously Jul 1998
18. Clonidine in epidural and intrathecal catheters Mar 2000
19. Coenzyme Q10 for muscle dystrophy Feb 2001
20. Cognitive behaviour therapy in the emergency department for patients with suicidal behavior Nov 2002
21. Colloid or crystalloid solutions for fluid resuscitation Apr 2001
22. Community education for encouraging participation in breast cancer screening in Southeast Asian women Sep 1999
23. Comparative incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (hits) with unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin and low molecular weight heparin Nov 2002
24. Computer assisted decision support systems for continuing medical education Nov 2000
25. Cost-effectiveness of nutritional support Oct 1998
26. Cryotherapy for improved early postoperative outcomes Nov 1999
27. Dressings moistened with sodium hypochlorite (Dakin's) solution for improved wound healing Nov 2000
28. Drug treatment, invasive monitoring, and fluid therapy for severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia Jul 1999
29. DTPA scans for the diagnosis of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome in children Oct 2000
30. Early ambulation after cardiac surgery Aug 2002
31. Electrical calf stimulation for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism Jul 1998
32. Emergency treatment for warfarin ingestion in children Mar 1999
33. Endoluminal grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms Jul 1998
34. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for facial blushing Feb 2001
35. Falls risk identification and measurement in community-dwelling adults Dec 1998
36. Fast-tracking "on-pump" coronary artery bypass surgery patients Feb 2001
37. Gestalt therapy for emotional well-being in psychological therapy candidates Jun 2001
38. Heel pressure sore treatment following hip surgery in the elderly Dec 1998
39. High dose follicle stimulating hormone for stimulation of ovulation in assisted reproduction Jan 2000
40. Importance of surgical timing in femoral neck fracture May 1999
41. In-line filters for reducing microbiological contamination of intravenous fluids Feb 1999
42. Infection risk in femoral fractures following surgical delays of more than 12 hours Oct 2000
43. Influences on decision-making skills in nurses Oct 1999
44. Intensity of physical therapy for stroke Sep 1998
45. Intermittent pneumatic calf compression for postoperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism Sep 1998
46. Intrathecal baclofen for spasticity Mar 2000
47. Intravenous corticosteroids as initial management for acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Nov 2000
48. Intravenous or Nasogastric rapid rehydration for children with gastroenteritis Apr 2004
49. Is standard (or universal precautions effective in preventing the transmission of blood borne viruses (HIV, HBV, HCV) in the haemodialysis unit setting?  What preventative measures have been effective? Oct  1999
50. Laser resection of T1-T2 N0 glottic cancer versus conventional radical radiotherapy Jul 2002
51. Laser therapy for tendinitis Jan 2001
52. Location of lower limb deep vein thrombosis and the risk of postphlebitic syndrome Nov 1999
53. Location of lower limb deep vein thrombosis and the risk of pulmonary embolism Nov 1999
54. Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for pulmonary thromboembolism Dec 2000
55. Low molecular weight heparin (subcutaneous) versus unfractionated heparin (intravenous) for unstable angina Sep 1998
56. Low molecular weight heparin (subcutaneous) versus unfractionated heparin (intravenous) for unstable angina [update] Nov 2000
57. Magnesium prophylaxis in cardiac surgery patients Simon Higgins Oct 2003
58. Maternal age and risk of adverse perinatal events in primiparous women Sep 1998
59. Membrane rupture during oxytocin labour induction May 1999
60. Metformin associated lactic acidosis following administration of intravenous contrast media Oct 2002
61. Methodology and group size for postgraduate medical education meetings Sep 1999
62. Minimal or mild endometriosis and the risk of infertility Apr 2000
63. Mini Mental State Examination in predicting discharge destination for geriatric patients May 2002
64. Mouth to mouth ventilation:  transmission of infection and the use of barrier devices Oct  1999
65. Nasogastric tube placement Aug 2000
66. Neural mobilisation after lumbar decompression May 2003
67. Number of neonatal examinations before discharge for detecting congenital hips, cleft palates, and cardiac and eye abnormalities in healthy term neonates Sep 1999
68. Occlusive dressing for reducing infections in surgical wounds Jul 2000
69. Oxytocin regimens for induction of labour May 1999
70. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: evidence-based management Nov 1999
71. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures May 2002
72. Phototherapy in the home for jaundiced neonates Dec 2003
73. Physiotherapy for lymphoedema Nov 1999
74. Prevention of pressure ulcers Dec 2000
75. Prone positioning of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) May 2002
76. Prophylactic beta-adrenergic blocking agents given perioperatively for preventing postoperative cardiac adverse events Aug 2000
77. Prevention of post-stroke hemiplegia shoulder pain Dec 1999
78. Problem-based versus didactic teaching of medical students and junior medical staff in clinical units Aug 1999
79. Prophylactic routine anticoagulant therapy for hysterectomies in low-risk women Feb 2000
80. Rehabilitation for postural deformity in Parkinson's disease Dec 2003
81. Risk of cerebral herniation due to lumbar puncture in children with suspected meningitis. Jul 2003
82. Route of delivery for preterm breech infants Feb 2000
83. Safety of open versus closed laparoscopic techniques Jan 2001
84. Scoring Systems for Assessing Postopertive Risk in Colorectal Surgery Jun 2002
85. Serum progesterone for assessing foetal viability in women in the first half of pregnancy presenting with vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain Aug 1999
86. Shoulder supports for hypotonicity following stroke Jan 2001
87. Skin or tissue necrosis following traction splints for fractures of the femoral shaft Feb 2001
88. Spiral computed tomography versus pulmonary angiography for diagnosing pulmonary embolism Nov 1999
89. Splints/orthotics for upper extremities in adult rheumatoid arthritis Jul 2002
90. Splints/orthotics in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Jul 2002
91. The effectiveness of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in wound healing Simon Higgins Dec 2003
92. Therapy, counselling, or group work for women victims of domestic violence Mar 2001
93. Timed "up and go" test for assessing mobility in Parkinson's disease Aug 1998
94. Tourniquets and cross infection in phlebotomy Mar 2002
95. Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of calf vein thrombosis May 2001
96. Ultrasound or venogram for diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis Jan 2001
97. Universal (or standard) precautions for preventing transmission of blood-borne viruses in the haemodialysis unit Oct 1999
98. Validity of the venous thromboembolism risk factor assessment model as described by motykie et al (2000) Oct 2002
99. Venous versus arterial blood gases in the assessment of acidosis Feb 2001
100. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) for reducing postoperative oedema following knee replacement surgery Oct 1998

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