What an Evidence Review is
An Evidence Review is a structured look at the medical studies I can currently access on one question that comes up in my work with children, teens, and their families. Each review describes what it searched, which sources it drew on, what the studies showed, and where the evidence is limited. The aim is to show my work, so that a parent or another clinician can check it. Each review is paired with a plain-language Clinical Answer.
What an Evidence Review is not
- It is not a Cochrane review, and it is not peer-reviewed journal research.
- It is not an exhaustive search of every published study.
- It is not personalized advice. A review describes groups of people; it cannot tell you what is right for your child.
The limitations I acknowledge
- Access to full text. I use openly available articles and have also paid for access to some articles. When a finding relies on an abstract or a secondary source, the review says so.
- Single reviewer. I am the only reviewer. There is no second independent reviewer checking each judgment.
- Search scope. Search methods vary by review. No review should be read as exhaustive.
- Source types. Reviews may draw on original research, published evidence summaries, conference abstracts, and clinical guidance. Abstracts and guidance are identified as such.
- Research in children and teens. Studies of children and teens are often limited. When a review relies on studies in adults or in mixed age groups, it says so, and those findings are treated as indirect evidence for younger patients.
How to read an Evidence Review
Start with the Clinical Answer for the short version. Then read the methods, the sources, and the limitations. Search counts, the references cited, and the studies actually included are not the same thing, so check which one a sentence refers to. Pay attention to the wording: "suggests," "may," and "the evidence is limited" are deliberate. A finding about a group of patients does not automatically apply to one child.
How often reviews are refreshed
Each page shows a "Last reviewed" date. I revisit reviews periodically, and sooner when important new evidence appears.
My commitment to you and your family
I write these reviews in my own words, and I try to say what the evidence supports and what it does not. I will not describe a finding as more certain than it is. When the evidence is unclear, I will say that plainly, and I will work with you on what it means for your child.
Have a question about your child's care?
If you would like guidance specific to your child's situation, I would be glad to talk with you.
Book an appointmentLearn more about Dr. Van Krasnov, read all Evidence Reviews, or browse the Clinical Answers and articles.