Health evidence reviews

Overview

Health evidence reviews (HERs) are reports that identify, critically appraise and synthesize scientific research to support health system planners and decision-makers to better meet the needs of Albertans. HERs are conducted when there is a high likelihood that the findings will have an impact on health care design and delivery while improving the health care system. Advice from health system leaders is continuously sought to provide direction and a broader health system perspective to Alberta’s health evidence reviews.

Reviews that can help improve health care and guide policy decisions typically:

align with Alberta’s health priorities
are supported by a team who is positioned to apply the evidence to make changes
answer a well-defined question using research or grey literature
identify potential implementation barriers and facilitators
engage operational, clinical and financial health system leaders as champions

They can be customized to provide a range of evidence and information, including:

determining care approaches and services that may lead to better outcomes
analyzing the value being provided and broader economic benefits
identifying potential policy, ethical, societal, and legislative considerations
assessing whether a care approach or service is effective
comparing practices across jurisdictions to identify useful models or strategies

The Government of Alberta partners with the following internationally recognized health evidence experts to conduct reviews in an arms-length capacity:

The views presented in the reports are solely those of the partner organizations that produce the reports and do not represent the policies or position of Alberta’s government or any other agency. Updates are provided when available.