SJSU Research Guides: Recreation Therapy: Evidence Based Practice

Where to find Evidence Based Practice Articles

PubMed This link opens in a new window
Searches MEDLINE, the leading database of journal articles in the health sciences, including medicine, nursing, the allied health sciences, public health, and the basic sciences. Coverage is 1946 - present.
CINAHL Complete This link opens in a new window
1300+ full-text journals available to support nursing and allied health professionals, students, educators and researchers. This resource also provides access to health care books, nursing dissertations, selected conference proceedings, evidence-based care sheet and quick lesson disease overviews, and continuing education modules.
cinhal
Cochrane Library This link opens in a new window
The Cochrane Library is a unique source of reliable and up-to-date information on the effects of interventions in health care. Published on a quarterly basis, the Cochrane Library is designed to provide information and evidence to support decisions taken in health care and to inform those receiving care. Download the user guide.

Note: Steps to create a personal account when off campus:
1. Go directly to the Cochrane library website [bypassing your Tower ID authentication].
2. Use the "Sign in" link in the top right corner to either login to an existing account or create a new account.
a. New Accounts: Complete the registration process and SJSU email validation. Then login to your account
b. Existing customers: Log in using your Cochrane Library personal login and password.
3. When you successfully login, this information will appear in the top right corner as Signed in as "your name"
4. Once you complete this login, then return to The Cochrane Library using the link that requires your Tower ID authentication.
Google Scholar This link opens in a new window
Scholarly literature search engine. Set your library preferences: On the Google Scholar homepage, go to Scholar Preferences. At Library Links, locate San Jose State University. Add those links, then save the preferences.

Additional Resources

RT Wise Owls--Recreational Therapy Evidence Based Practice: Strengthening the Profession
Developed by the Therapeutic Recreation program at Temple University to share Recreational Therapy student mentored research/synthesis projects that advance the use of evidence based practice (EBP), as well as EBP resources.

Types of research within the database

Meta-analysis/Meta-synthesis: A statistical technique (meta-analysis, quantitative) or integrative technique (meta-synthesis, qualitative) for combining findings from multiple related studies.
Systematic Review: A type of literature review focused on a research question that identifies, appraises, and synthesizes evidence focused on a clinical question.
Randomized Control Trial (RCT): A study where participants are randomly assigned to an experimental or control group to compare different interventions.
Other Quantitative: Any other quantitative design that examines the effectiveness of an intervention or relationship among variables. Types of studies within this category include quasi-experimental, single-subject, experimental without a control group and survey studies. RCTs are identified separately.
Qualitative: A study that gathers information through observation, focus groups, and/or individual interviews to gain an understanding of the person/group perspective on a phenomenon (exploratory in nature, looking for trends/patterns).
Mixed Methods: A study that utilizes both quantitative and qualitative designs in the same study.
Evidence Synthesis: Article contains no new research but is a synthesis of existing information relevant to an identified policy question.
Evidence-based Guidelines also called Clinical Practice Guidelines: Statements designed to help administrators, practitioners, and patients make decisions about appropriate health care for specific circumstances. Guidelines are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options.