Evidence Analysis Center

Launched in 2004, the Evidence Analysis Library^® online resource is a growing series of systematic reviews and evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for registered dietitian nutritionists and other members of the health care team. Projects are developed by Academy members and the EAL relies on volunteers to help conduct evidence analysis projects. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Features of the Evidence Analysis Library:

• Users can view the list of topics from the Projects tab. They projects are listed in alphabetical order. The left navigation bar for each project has the most current information at the top. The user can see as much – or as little – information posted by expanding each section.
• Each systematic review includes a conclusion statement that summarizes the collected research; a grade that indicates the quality and extent of the support evidence for each conclusion statement; an evidence summary that describes the major findings; tables summarizing the study findings; worksheets that provide detailed information for each study and a quality rating for each study.
• Evidence-based recommendations consists of a series of guiding statements to assist the registered dietitian nutritionist in decisions about appropriate care for specific disease states or conditions. Key elements of each guideline include an explanation of the scope, interventions and practices considered, summary of major recommendations and the corresponding rating of evidence strength, including areas of agreement and disagreement.

Why Use the Evidence Analysis Library?

• Sifting through the vast amounts of literature: Individual practitioners would find it very difficult to keep up with amount of health care research that is continually published. Evidence-based resources narrow down this literature so practitioners can make clinically sound decisions and recommendations more efficiently.
• Quick access to answers: Patients, clients and other stakeholders have many nutrition questions. Synthesized evidence-based resources help practitioners respond to those questions quickly and easily.
• Faster implementation of research findings: Evidence-based practice resources bring together information across disciplines and fields and identify new ways to apply research findings to patient care, cutting down the lag time from "bench-to-bedside." Improved practice quality and effectiveness: As more practitioners incorporate evidence-based guidelines and methods, the standard of care improves and the quality and effectiveness of practice increases.