Category name | Example | n (%) of questions | |
1 | Checking more specifically on one aspect of current evidence on a common problem (staying up-to-date—focused) | Is there any evidence to support the recommendation to avoid sex with a diagnosis of placenta praevia? | 34 (27.0) |
2 | Checking claims/evidence about a relatively new test or treatment | Evidence for FMT (faecal matter transplant) in treating ulcerative colitis | 22 (17.5) |
3 | Evidence for complementary and alternative therapies | Does fish oil prevent heart disease? | 22 (17.5) |
4 | Checking broadly on guidelines and recommendations on a common topic (staying up-to-date—broad) | Which migraine prophylaxis medication is most effective? | 13 (10.3) |
5 | Application of evidence in a specific population subgroup or setting | What is the effectiveness of antiviral medications in preventing complications in patients with influenza at low and high risk of complications? | 13 (10.3) |
6 | Evidence about stopping treatments (including safety and minimising harms) | Do we need to stop metformin for patients with diabetes? | 7 (5.6) |
7 | Evidence for practice processes | What are patients’ views and emotional reactions to health professionals looking up resources during consultations? | 5 (4.0) |
8 | Checking on the safety or harms of a test or treatment | Adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors | 4 (3.2) |
9 | Evidence about lifestyle choices | Does exercise reduce the risk of cancer? | 3 (2.4) |
10 | Education (eg, clinical teaching, learning EBM skills) | What personal qualities and behaviours do patients, medical students and trainees/registrars highly rate in their GP or their GP supervisor? | 2 (1.6) |
11 | Checking the evidence about a less frequent condition | Surgery versus other treatments for trigger thumb | 1 (0.8) |
Total | 125 (100%) |
GP, general practitioner.