How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-based Medicine

Front Cover
Wiley, Feb 13, 2006 - Medical - 248 pages
How to Read a Paper is one of the bestselling texts on evidence-based medicine, used by health care professionals and medical students worldwide. Trisha Greenhalgh’s ability to explain the basics of evidence-based medicine in an accessible and readable way means the book is an ideal introduction for all, from first year students to experienced practitioners.

This is a text that explains the meaning of critical appraisal and terms such as 'numbers needed to treat', 'how to search the literature', 'evaluate the different types of papers' and 'put the conclusions to clinical use'.

New features of the third edition include:


  • New discussion putting evidence-based medicine into the current context, with more emphasis on patient perspectives
  • Increased coverage of qualitative research in evidence-based medicine
  • New information on literature sources and search mechanisms

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About the author (2006)

Trisha Greenhalgh is Professor of Primary Health Care at University College, London and a practising GP. Her main areas of interest are

- Web based teaching and learning, especially for health care professionals
- Evidence based health care and quality improvement, especially in relation to multiprofessional and interdisciplinary working
- Health service management, especially organisation, delivery and evaluation of diabetes services in primary care
- Use of personal narrative to explore the patient's perspective and illness experience, especially in relation to diabetes in minority ethnic groups

Bibliographic information