General

What is KSR Evidence?

KSR Evidence is a searchable database that includes all systematic reviews and meta-analyses published since 2015, dating back to 2010 for a small number of topics. For many of these reviews KSR Evidence provides a critical appraisal and a short, accessible bottom line.


Who should use KSR Evidence?

Although by no means exhaustive, below is a list of people who will benefit from using KSR Evidence:

  • clinicians

  • healthcare professionals

  • primary care practitioners

  • nurses

  • midwives

  • physiotherapists

  • allied health professionals

  • guideline writers

  • systematic reviewers

  • researchers

  • healthcare managers and commissioners

  • patients and carers

  • the public 


Why should I use KSR Evidence?

KSR Evidence identifies all systematic reviews and meta-analyses from a number of databases including Medline and Embase.  So not only does KSR Evidence include a larger number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses then general medical databases but you can also be certain that they are systematic reviews and meta-analyses as each record has been individually screened by a team of information specialists to ensure that it really is a systematic review or meta-analysis.


How often is KSR Evidence updated with new reviews?

KSR Evidence is updated weekly with new systematic reviews. Just in 2018 we uploaded close to 26,000 systematic reviews, and this number is expected to grow every year.


What is the date range of KSR Evidence?

KSR Evidence includes all systematic reviews and meta-analyses published since 2015, dating back to 2010 for a small number of topics.


How do you assess risk of bias?

Systematic reviews are critically appraised using criteria based on the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool ROBIS. We use an adapted version of this tool to enable us to provide the necessary summary information which will be useful to busy healthcare professionals, researchers, and other end users. The risk of bias tool looks at four domains:

  • Study eligibility criteria

  • Identification and selection of studies

  • Data collection and study appraisal

  • Synthesis and findings


Should I dismiss evidence from a systematic review that has a high risk of bias?

Not necessarily, as it might still be the best available evidence. Should you decide to use it in your research, please regard the findings with caution.


Can I set up alerts when a specific type of systematic review is added?

Yes, you can save a search strategy and set up alerts by clicking on the Save button on the search results page. Here you can set up your preferences for email notifications, and choose whether you wish to receive them daily, weekly, or monthly.


I wish to make a suggestion/comment

We are always happy to receive feedback. Please take a look at our contact page for our contact details.