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Foreground Information and the 6S Pyramid
Foreground questions are best answered by evidence found at different levels of the 6S Pyramid.
The different levels of the pyramid are outlined and colour-coded to the right.
Learn more about the 6S Pyramid:
DiCenso, A., Bayley, L., & Haynes, R. B. (2009). Accessing pre-appraised evidence: Fine-tuning the 5S model into a 6S model. Evidence-based nursing, 12(4), 99-101. https://doi.org/10.1136/ebn.12.4.99-b [View record in Omni]
Use the concepts identified in your PICO Question to come up with approriate search terms, remembering that:
- A piece of evidence's ability to guide clinical action increases as you move up the pyramid.
- Topics become more specific as you move down the pyramid.
HSL's Database Fundamentals Tutorial will explain the process of building an effective and efficient search.
Off-Campus Access
The small lock icon 
beside a link indicates this is an online library resource. When you click on the resource link from off-campus you'll be redirected to a login page. Login using your MacID and password to access the content.
Meta-Searches
Meta-Searches (aka "federated" search engines) search for evidence across multiple resources. These tools return information from all levels of the pyramid. They can be especially useful when you're unsure which database is best suited to answer a clinical question.
- Accessss This link opens in a new window Accessss (formerly MacPLUS) Federated Search is designed to find the best evidence-based answer to your clinical questions by simultaneously searching the leading evidence-driven medical publications and high quality clinical literature.
- EpistemonikosMeta-searching in 9 languages.
- SUMSearchUniversity of Kansas
Citing Sources
Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association by Publication Date: 2019
APA style simplified: Writing in psychology, education, nursing, and sociology by Publication Date: 2021
Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue OWL):
Evidence-based texts:
