Objective To introduce the method of reading systematic reviews. Methods Papers and books on reading and evaluating medical literature were searched comprehensively, and general principles and approaches of reading systematic reviews were summarized. Results The following 10 points were summarized to help read systematic reviews in a scientific, rapid, and efficient way: ① Was there any overviews of reviews? ② Was there a recent update? ③ Were the previous relevant systematic reviews integrated? ④ Were sound searching strategies established and implemented? ⑤ Was quality evaluation done concerning the original research? ⑥ Were the results of the original research conflated properly? ⑦ Was there any explanation to the limitations or weaknesses of the systematic review? ⑧ Were the problems to be solved in the next stage put forward? ⑨ Were the abstracts and full-texts reported sufficiently? ⑩ Were the systematic reviews helpful in solving practical problems? Additionally, the readers were divided into the four groups based on their application of the systematic reviews: health policy makers, health care suppliers, researchers as well as patients and common people. Conclusion The reading of the systematic reviews should be stressed in order to better guide decision-making and promote evidence-based practice.
Evidence-based medicine emphasizes that treatment must be based on the following elements ： the latest and best evidence, clinicians＇ expertise and patients＇ preference. Evidence-based medicine embodies the ethos both to explore medical science and to respect patients＇ values. Evidence-based medicine is an integration of the scientific and the humanistic spirit.
Objective We searched the Cochrane Library（Issue 3, 2005 ）to identity evidence related to palliative treatment. We found that Opioids are effective for the palliation of breathlessness in terminal illness. Oral Morphine and hydromorphone is effective for cancer pain. Radiotherapy and Bisphosphonates can relief pain secondary to bone metastases. Corticosteroids can resolve malignant bowel obstruction in advanced gynaecological and gastrointestinal cancer.
Gout is caused by abnormal metabolism of purine. Its most common symptom attack of intense pain and swelling in the joints. Attacks of gout can according to the alteration if it is in acute interval periods. How can we get the optimal effect? The development of methodology has provided much convincing evidence for us to choose the most appropriate treatment.
Fleming proposed the concept of evidence-based pathology (EBP) in 1996. In recent years, there have been a lot of evidence-based studies on the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. However, there are still limitations and challenges in the development, and the growth in application of evidence-based medicine in the pathology is still slow. This study introduced the history of evidence-based pathology, summarized the primary application areas and the latest research progress, analyzed current opportunities and challenges of evidence-based pathology, and provided some suggestions.