Practice-based Research in (allied) healthcare

1.5 The five steps of evidence-based practice

1.5.2

Step 2: Efficiently searching for the best evidence

Where will you look? In order to find an answer to your question, the next step is to look for evidence. Before you begin, you must first ask yourself where you might find the evidence you need. You can consult a wide variety of different sources, such as scientific journals, professional journals, presentations or abstracts (summaries) of conferences and books. Of course, you can also find a wealth of information on the internet (e.g. on forums and news sites). However, the quality and reliability of the information you find can vary widely. In order to answer your question, you must efficiently search appropriate sources for the best available evidence. Woman gives birth after running a marathon An American woman gave birth shortly after finishing a marathon. While running, her contractions started kicking in. Last Sunday in Chicago, Amber Miller ran a total distance of more than 42 kilometres, the Chicago Tribune reports. Miller’s physician consented to her participation in the race prior to the start of the marathon. On the day of the race, she was almost in her 39 th week of pregnancy. Baby June was later born in the hospital. At birth, she weighed 3,368 grams. Mother and child are both reported to be in good health. Research Years ago, research showed that physical exercise during pregnancy increases the odds of a successful pregnancy. This was concluded from the fact that the blood pressure of pregnant women drops when they work out. Previously, a different study had shown that “only” one in six pregnant women are advised to exercise during their pregnancy. It is important that pregnant women consult with their physician before deciding to take part in sport events such as marathons, the researchers say. Source: Schipper (2011) This article was published by Nu.nl (a popular Dutch news site) several years ago. The conclusion of the source is not entirely in line with the conclusion of the study to which it refers. In the latter, DeMaio and Magann (2009) state that very specific forms of physical exercise such as aerobics, impact training and swimming can have a positive effect on the pregnancy. Generalising the study’s conclusion by using the term “physical exercise” (and suggesting that running a marathon falls into this same category) is questionable. The study conducted by DeMaio and Magann reveals the following:

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