Topic Selection and Question Development

Owned by Kylie Porritt
Last updated: Jul 11, 2022 by Kim Dell

Topic selection and question development methods as described in the following guidelines apply to evidence summaries. Recommended practices are created on topics where an evidence summary exists or has been requested by the expert reference group.

Best Practice Information Sheets are developed from existing JBI systematic reviews (SRs), the topic selection process for BPIS is that research fellows evaluate the quality of systematic reviews in the pre-publication pipeline. Specifically, the clinical relevance of the SR topic and the recommendations are evaluated for clarity, strength, and direction. Where a SR meets quality criteria and has recommendations that can be mobilised in practice, the Implementation Science team will prioritize those topics for the development of a BPIS – up to 12 BPIS are produced each year on this basis, ensuring the opportunity to select from the reviews with the highest level of relevance to clinical practice.

For evidence summaries, there are several pathways to topic selection and question development as follows:

  1. An identified gap in the taxonomy
  2. New or updated research evidence becoming available
  3. Clinical request from a clinician
  4. Clinical request from a contributing group member.

The clinical question is developed in line with the clinical topic of interest. The clinical question should be framed using the relevant PICO mnemonic and include the population, the intervention/condition, and the setting where possible. The question should be as clear and concise as possible.

Always check the JBI EBP Database before starting a topic to ensure topics are not duplicated.

Examples of clinical questions are:

  • What is the best available evidence regarding non-pharmacological adjunct interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in adults with depressive disorders?
  • What is the best available evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of Mohs microscopic surgery compared to other surgical/ablative interventions for non-melanoma skin cancer?
  • What is the best available evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy of currently available laboratory tests for swine flu (H1N1) compared to viral culture as a reference test amongst people presenting with suspected flu?