1. Each student will conduct a PubMed search to find randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and HTA reports that would likely address the PICO criteria below.
The PubMed search strategy should be submitted, including the number of citations yielded at each line of the search. The results of the search (a snapshot of the first page of citations is sufficient) should also be submitted. The search strategy should have enough detail that it can be replicated.
2. Search for an HTA report on the topic using one other form of searching.
Policy question:
Is the use of statins for secondary prevention - i.e. in people with cardiovascular disease - safe and effective at preventing subsequent cardiovascular events when compared to usual care?
Population or patient group:
Adults (aged ≥18 years) with cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease. This is a
secondary prevention population.
Intervention:
Statins (lipid-lowering medicines). Specifically, any of the following – atorvastatin, fluvastatin,
pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
Comparators:
Placebo or ‘usual care’ or ‘non-statin treatment’
Outcomes:
All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease mortality, stroke mortality, cardiovascular events, adverse events, health related quality of life.