There are differing views on what is meant by the term ‘evidence’ and its value, types and sources in the context of evidence-based health care. [1, 2] The Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (2005) developed the following definition that reflects many considerations around evidence.

Evidence is information that comes closest to the facts of a matter. The form it takes depends on the context. The findings of high-quality, methodologically appropriate research are the most accurate evidence. Because research is often incomplete and sometimes contradictory or unavailable, other kinds of information are necessary supplements to or stand-ins for research. The evidence base for a decision is the multiple forms of evidence combined to balance rigour with expedience – while privileging the former over the latter. [3]

Where there is uncertainty or disagreement about practice or when new therapies are proposed, research is a way of providing evidence as to the most effective choice. Some research is carried out within the existing resources of academic, clinical or community organisations. Research may also be externally funded through grant schemes and tenders or through sponsorships, donations or commercial arrangements. The Australian Government provides significant research funds through its formal agencies, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian Research Council (ARC).

Research plays a significant role in healthcare. It is regulated by various ethics and governance frameworks. [4-6]

Palliative care as a discipline and area of clinical practice has been developing its evidence base and the capacity to carry out clinical research. [7, 8] Within Australia, there has been a substantial investment in both research and project investigation within the National Palliative Care Program. This program included a series of research grant rounds managed by the NHMRC. The National Palliative Care Program is assisting in building a body of evidence to assist decision making and to guide implementation in palliative care.

Finding out more
NHMRC  - The New Era: Challenges for Australian Health and Medical Research

Related CareSearch pages
Conducting Research in Palliative Care
National Palliative Care Program

References

1. Lomas J, Culyer T, McCutcheon C, McAuley L, Law S Conceptualizing and combining evidence for health system guidance May 2005 Canadian Health Services Research Foundation. 
2.  Aoun S, Kristjanson L Challenging the framework for evidence in palliative care Palliative Medicine 2005; 19: 461-465.
3. Canadian Health Services Research Foundation Conceptualising and combining evidence, 2005 Available at http://www.chsrf.ca/other_documents/evidence_e.php#weighing.  
4. National Health & Medical Research Council National Statement. 
5. Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. 
6. Poustie S et al 2006 MJA 185 623-626 Implementing a research governance framework for clinical and public health research. 
7. Kaasa S, Hjermstad M, Loge JH Methodological and structural challenges in palliative care research: how have we fared in the last decades? Palliat Med. 20(8): 727-734, 2006.

This page was created on 14 May 2008 and is due for review in May 2010