- Clinical queries are dealt with by the RCOG Information Services department.
- Where relevant, the following databases will be searched:
- Cochrane Library
- TRIP database
- Evidence in Health and Social Care (Formerly NHS Evidence)
- Current, relevant RCOG advice for example guidelines and working party reports.
If a systematic review that answers the enquiry and is less than 2 years old is identified from these sources, the search will terminate here. Otherwise Medline will be searched.
- The research literature will be appraised according to the standard hierarchy of evidence, as used in RCOG Clinical Guidelines, and summarised. Only full text English language articles available in the RCOG Library (print or electronic) can be appraised in full. Where an English language abstract is available, this may be included.
- Answers to queries will be added to the query bank within the agreed time frame, and an email advising that this has been published sent to the enquirer.
- Supporting documents can be provided at normal Library rates. Links to electronic sources will be indicated where possible.
Note
- In order to provide a timely response, this is not a full systematic review service. Enquiries that fall outside the scope of this service can also be undertaken. Please contact the Library with your request.
- Clinical query answers are not subject to the same editorial or review processes as RCOG guidelines and are not approved by the Standards Board.
Clinical query bank
The results of clinical queries will be posted, anonymously, in the Women's Health section of the RCOG website. Click here to see recent answers.