Differentiating between information and evidence

While all evidence is also information, not all information is evidence. Information, in terms of knowledge, provides facts about a topic. These facts vary in terms of relevance, detail, and accuracy. An example of factual information might be the number of subscribers to the Medical Journal of Australia last year.

In the healthcare context, evidence is high quality information that has usually been gained from research-based investigations, and is therefore more predictable and more reliable. Evidence is often used as a basis for change in healthcare.

An example of this might be a systematic review that examines interventions, tested in randomised control trials, related to rates of wound healing. Synthesised results and recommendations from this review are then used to develop a practice guideline. A systematic review may not always be available, so the ‘next best available’ evidence needs to be sourced.

Selecting appropriate information

In Module 2 we look at converting a need for information into a ‘searchable’ question. Now we will focus on the type of information required and where you are most likely to find it. There are potential limitations with every type of information. You need to consider these limitations when selecting the evidence and its source. Depending on the nature of your question, you might need to access a variety of information from a number of sources.

The table below gives examples of various sources of information:

Broad sources of information

What	Useful for	Limitations
Websites	Current information from various sources; often have specialised focus	May not be well-designed, reliable or objective; may or may not be authoritative (in terms of evidence-base). Should be critically appraised.
Journal articles	The most recently published research findings	Individual study findings may not be consistent with other findings. It can be hard to find the most relevant articles among the large number published. Require critical appraisal.
Systematic reviews	Synthesised summary of all/most available evidence within a structured framework.  More reliable than the findings from one study	There may not be one that applies to your question.
Books	Background reading and established knowledge	Not always the most up to date information.
Research in progress or unpublished	The most recent research and emerging findings. Access to less well known and well-funded research. May be useful to see research trends	Quality of the research is often unknown at this stage. Research reports can be difficult to find and/or access, e.g. conference proceedings.
Protocols and guidelines	Officially endorsed procedures and practices	May not be appropriate to or available for your context. Need to ensure currency.
Clinical tools (calculators and dictionaries)	Determining accurate measurements and language definition	May not be specific for your clinical need.
Statistics	Determining trends and patterns in a population	Provides information on the effect, but not the cause.
Government reports	Finding out what action the government has taken on an issue. May also include a literature review and valuable background information e.g. on efficacy.	May be out of date.
Newspapers	Public opinion	Details may be inaccurate and/or guided by opinion or commercial/political interest.
Social media	Individual responses about particular issues; trends in thinking; active discussions	No quality control.
Colleagues	Quick, convenient answers to specific questions at a local level	May not be consistent with the best available evidence. May be biased.