Clinical Evidence
Frequently Asked Questions

 

United Health Foundation
1.  Why does United Health Foundation distribute Clinical Evidence?
2.  How is this project funded?
3.  Are any pharmaceutical monies used for this project?
4.  Why is United Health Foundation distributing Clinical Evidence Concise instead of the full text version?
5.  Does United Health Foundation distribute the other evidence-based material in Clinical Evidence?

Clinical Evidence Distribution
6.  How often is Clinical Evidence distributed?
7.  How is the distribution/ mailing list determined?
8.  Does United Health Foundation sell its mailing list?
9.  How can I receive Clinical Evidence from United Health Foundation?
10. Can I get the current issue of Clinical Evidence?
11. Can I get past issues of Clinical Evidence?
12. I have received Clinical Evidence in the past, how do I ensure that I continue to receive it?
13. I live outside the United States. Can I get a free copy of Clinical Evidence?
14. I sent in my request, why didn’t I get a copy of Clinical Evidence?
15. Why didn’t I get a copy of Clinical Evidence? I did last time.
16. I didn’t request a copy of this book. Why did I get a copy of Clinical Evidence?
17. I do not want to receive Clinical Evidence. How do I get off your distribution list?
18. I don’t want the book. Can/should I return it?
19. I receive duplicate copies but only need one.
20. I like the full text version of Clinical Evidence. Can you send me one?
21. How come there is no CD-ROM with this issue?
22. Am I able to request a CD-ROM?
23. Is the PDA version of Clinical Evidence available from the Foundation?

Registration and Internet Access to Clinical Evidence.
24. Are there benefits to using the Clinical Evidence website?
25. Do I have free access to Clinical Evidence on the Internet?
26. How long do I have free access to the online information?
27. How do I access Clinical Evidence on the Internet?
28. I can’t access http://www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf. What should I do?
29. Is a customer number needed?

BMJ Publishing Group/Clinical Evidence Content
30. What is the BMJ Publishing Group?
31. What is Clinical Evidence?
32. Why use Clinical Evidence?
33. Who is responsible for the content of Clinical Evidence?
34. Do the conditions/topics change with each new issue of Clinical Evidence?
35. How often is Clinical Evidence updated?
36. Who can I contact regarding topics and/or content in Clinical Evidence?
37. How can I become a contributor to Clinical Evidence?
38. I have questions on the information in the book, who can I talk to?
39. I disagree with the findings in the book – who can I talk to?


Clinical Evidence Pediatrics – Summer 2005
40. Who received copies of Clinical Evidence Pediatricians?
41. How can I receive a copy of Clinical Evidence Pediatrics?
42. I received Clinical Evidence Pediatrics, do I still have free Internet access to Clinical Evidence?
43. I am a pediatrician but would like the full version of Clinical Evidence or Clinical Evidence Concise. How can I get that?
44. Is this information different that that found in Clinical Evidence?

Clinical Evidence Mental Health (August 2004)
45. How can I receive a copy of Clinical Evidence Mental Health?
46. Who received copies of Clinical Evidence Mental Health?
47. I received Clinical Evidence Mental Health, do I still have free Internet access to Clinical Evidence?
48. I received Clinical Evidence Mental Health but would like the full version of Clinical Evidence or Clinical Evidence Concise.
     How can I get that?
49. Is this information different that that found in Clinical Evidence?



United Health Foundation

1. Why does United Health Foundation distribute Clinical Evidence?
Physicians should expect that they will be supported in their continuing quest to apply the best information to their practice. One of the most trusted sources for reliable, scientific medical information has been the British Medical Journal, who have assembled a special panel of international experts from a variety of medical disciplines to produce Clinical Evidence. Its’ purpose is to provide physicians with the most updated information on the management of more than 200 medical conditions.

United Health Foundation has been so impressed by this book, which has been so well received by physicians, that we distribute it twice a year free of charge to more than 500,000 of our nation’s physicians, physicians-in-training and nurses. It is our belief that by providing information that supports the decision-making abilities of physicians and their patients our Foundation will have a significant effect on improving the quality of health care for all Americans.

2. How is this project funded?
3. Are any pharmaceutical monies used for this project?
The project is funded through United Health Foundation, which is solely supported by the UnitedHealth Group family of companies. No outside or pharmaceutical money is used to fund this project. The BMJ is wholly responsible for the content of the book.

The BMJ Publishing Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Medical Association and does not use outside or pharmaceutical money in their research or production of Clinical Evidence.


4. Why is United Health Foundation distributing Clinical Evidence Concise instead of the full text version of Clinical Evidence?
The decision to distribute Clinical Evidence Concise was based on the following factors:

  • The full text version of Clinical Evidence is too large (2900+ pages) and unwieldy to use as a pocket reference tool;
  • We have the ability to contain costs for printing, paper and postage by producing a more concise pocket sized version; and
  • The Foundation has arranged for free Internet access to Clinical Evidence at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf, which provides all background information for Clinical Evidence, plus monthly updates and new topics.

5. Does United Health Foundation distribute the other evidence-based material in Clinical Evidence?
No, United Health Foundation only distributes Clinical Evidence Concise. For any of the other materials shown you need to go to the BMJ website at http://www.bmjjournals.com  or www.clinicalevidence.com.



Clinical Evidence Distribution

6. How often is Clinical Evidence distributed?
Clinical Evidence is distributed in the first and third quarters of the year. Clinical Evidence Concise 13 will be released in July 2005.

7. How is the distribution/ mailing list determined?
The Foundation purchases a mailing list of approximately 500,000 names from a mailing house that uses the AMA list and the nurse practitioner association list. We base the random selection on the following specialties: cardiologists, pediatricians, internists, ob/gyns, oncologists, urologists, family practice, endocrinologists, medical residents and nurse practitioners. This list does include those health professionals that have sent in a postcard or email requesting a copy.

8. Does United Health Foundation sell its mailing list?
No, United Health Foundation does not sell or share its mailing list with any organization.

9. How can I receive Clinical Evidence from United Health Foundation?
There are two ways to request the NEXT issue of Clinical Evidence.

  1. If you have a copy of Clinical Evidence, complete the postcard in the book with your name, mailing address, city, state and zip code, fold it, add postage and drop it in the mail. You will receive the NEXT issue and any future issues United Health Foundation distributes; or
  2. Click on Clinical Evidence Request (this site) and complete the requested information (name, mailing address, city, state and zip code).
    We make every attempt to make sure you are on the distribution list for the NEXT issue of Clinical Evidence.

10. Can I get the current issue of Clinical Evidence?
Unfortunately at the time of mailing all issues are spoken for. However, you may access the Clinical Evidence online information free of charge. You need to go to www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf and complete the requested information. Once this is done you will have free access for 6 months or until the next issue is released.

11. Can I get past issues of Clinical Evidence?
No. Much like a phone book, once the new issue of Clinical Evidence is released, the BMJ Publishing Group considers past issues outdated, and for this reason they are not reprinted or distributed. All topics in previous issues are retained in the new edition and updated as indicated. For the print edition, the BMJ Publishing Group adds 6-8 new topics with each release. You should refer to Internet version at www.clinicalevidence.com between printings for the most current information because the BMJ continuously updates and adds new topics on the website.

12. I have received Clinical Evidence in the past, how do I ensure that I continue to receive it?
There are two ways to ensure you receive the NEXT issue of Clinical Evidence.

  1. If you have a copy of Clinical Evidence, complete the postcard in the book with your name, mailing address, city, state and zip code, fold it, add postage, and drop it in the mail. You will receive the NEXT issue and any future issues United Health Foundation distributes; or
  2. Click on Clinical Evidence Request (this site) and complete the requested information (name, mailing address, city, state and zip code).

We make every attempt to make sure you are on the distribution list for the NEXT issue of Clinical Evidence. All names received after one month prior to the next distribution (usually May and November) will receive the next issue of Clinical Evidence. We make every attempt to make sure you are on the distribution list for the NEXT issue. If you have already submitted a postcard with mailing information, you do not need to submit your name again. We do not delete names from our mailing list unless requested.


13. I live outside the United States.  Can I get a free copy of Clinical Evidence?
Unfortunately, no. Our contract with the BMJ Publishing Group only allows United Health Foundation to distribute free copies to individual medical professionals in the United States.

The BMJ has partnered with the World Health Organization in distributing scientific medical information free to developing countries. You may find further information at http://www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/about/onlineaccess_dev.jsp to see if you qualify. To request a copy or to find out more about the free access for developing countries write to kmcpartlin@bmjgroup.com.


14. I sent in my request, why didn’t I get a copy of Clinical Evidence?
If you sent an email or postcard requesting a copy it may be that we did not receive the information in time for this mailing. We have a cutoff date of adding new requests one month prior to release date of the book (June/December). You will be assured of receiving the next issue, provided all correct mailing information has been provided. However, you may access the Internet version at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf.  Once you have completed the requested information you will have free access for 6 months.

If you have sent in a postcard prior to the cutoff date, we may not have ALL mailing information. Many times we receive cards without important mailing information, such as city or state. You may want to request a copy again, by going to http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/registration.cfm  and complete the requested information. In the meantime, you may access the Internet version at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf.  Once you have completed the requested information you will have free access for 6 months.

If you had a change of address since the last distribution our database may not be updated. Please go to http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/registration.cfm and note this is an address change. We will update our records. The post office does NOT forward the book. Because we purchase a mailing list from a broker that uses the AMA list and the nurse practitioner list you may want to notify your respective organization of your address change so they have the most current contact information for you. In the meantime, you may access the Internet version at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf. Once you have completed the requested information you will have access for 6 months.


15. Why didn’t I get a copy of Clinical Evidence? I did last time.
If you have NOT sent in a postcard or email, you previously were chosen by random selection. We purchase a mailing list from a broker that uses the AMA list and the nurse practitioner list. You may not have been chosen in this random selection for this distribution. To ensure you receive future copies of Clinical Evidence go to http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/registration.cfm and complete the request for copies.


16. I didn’t request a copy of this book. Why did I get a copy of Clinical Evidence?
It is due to the random selection of names. For a distribution of this size, we purchase a mailing list from a broker that uses the AMA list and the nurse practitioner list. The specialties we target are: cardiologists, urologists, family practice, endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, ob/gyns, oncologists, medical residents and nurse practitioners. You may not have been chosen in this random selection for this distribution. To ensure you receive future copies of Clinical Evidence go to http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/registration.cfm and complete the request for copies.


17. I do not want to receive Clinical Evidence. How do I get off your distribution list?
Please send an email to ce@unitedhealthfoundation.org and request your name be taken off the list. If you are on our distribution list your name will be deleted for future distributions. For a mailing of this magnitude (500,000+ names) we purchase a mailing list from a broker that uses the AMA listing and the nurse practitioner association listing. We have no control over the names on those lists. Our distribution list is generated by random selection based on specialties. You may want to notify your respective organization and inform them not to sell your name to any outside entity. If you do receive a copy that you don’t want, please pass it along to a colleague or someone that may find the information useful, or toss it out. You are NEVER charged for this book.

18. I don’t want the book. Can/should I return it?
There is no need to incur the postage cost associated with returning it to the Foundation, so  please pass it along to a colleague, your local clinic or someone who may find it useful.

19. I receive duplicate copies but only need one.
We make every effort to remove duplicate names in this mailing as we merge various lists. If there is a variation in the name (J. Jones, or John Jones) or in the address provided (Minneapolis or Minnetonka) we do not assume they are the same person and therefore do not delete. If you do receive a duplicate copy, please pass it along to a colleague or someone who may find the information useful.

20. I like the full text version of Clinical Evidence. Can you send me one?
We have made a business decision not to distribute the full text version of Clinical Evidence. The full text version is too large (2900+ pages) to be used effectively. For that reason we have arranged for free Internet access at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf so all topics, background information, and updates are available to you. The full text print version is available from the BMJ. Please see their website at www.clinicalevidence.com for further information.

21. How come there is no CD-ROM with this issue?
The BMJ made a business decision not to provide a CD-ROM. Their marketing research found very little usage of the CD-ROM. All topics, background information and more information can be found on the Clinical Evidence website at www.clinicalevidence.com. United Health Foundation has arranged for six months free access to the online version at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf.

22. Am I able to request a CD-ROM?
No, the BMJ no longer produces a CD-ROM. You can still access all information that was previously on the CD-ROM along with  additional information at  www.clinicalevidence.com.

23. Is the PDA version of Clinical Evidence available from the Foundation?
At this time, the PDA version of Clinical Evidence is only available from the BMJ Publishing Group. You can access a free trial version at www.clinicalevidence.com. You would need to contact the BMJ directly for further information.


Registration and Internet Access to Clinical Evidence.

24. Are there benefits of using the Clinical Evidence website?
The BMJ Clinical Evidence website provides:

  • Monthly updates and new topics
  • Full text topics that include the benefits, harms and a comment for each option, additional background and references
  • References that link to PubMed and Cochrane abstracts
  • Web only topics not published in print as the evidence seldom changes (These topics are marked with an * in the table of contents of the book.)
  • You may sign up for email alerts on the latest evidence
  • Useful site tools
  • Evidence based medicine training materials and resources

25. Do I have free access to Clinical Evidence on the Internet?
Yes. United Health Foundation has made arrangements with the BMJ Publishing Group to provide six months free access to the Internet information for all recipients of United Health Foundation distribution. You will need to register at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf and complete the requested information along with creating a user name and password for your use. Once this is done you should have complete access to the Internet version, all updates, and new information.

26. How long do I have free access to the online version?
We have arranged for 6 months free access, or from issue to issue as long as United Health Foundation distributes Clinical Evidence. You will need to re-register every 6 months or with each release of an issue of Clinical Evidence.

27. How do I access Clinical Evidence on the Internet?
You will need to register at www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf and complete the requested information along with creating a user name and password for your use. Once this is done you should have complete access to the Internet version, all updates, and new information. After that, you will only need to provide your user name and password for access.

28. I can’t access www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf.
Go to www.clinicalevidence.com, this is the home page for Clinical Evidence. Once there, on the right side of the page there is a section, Free Access - UHF, click on the UHF and complete the information along with creating a user name and password for your use. Once this is done you should have complete access to the Internet version, all updates and new information.
 
29. Is a customer number needed?
No customer number is needed or provided. You need to go to www.clinicalevidence.com/uhf and complete the requested information along with creating a user name and password for your use.



BMJ Publishing Group/Clinical Evidence Content

30. What is the BMJ Publishing Group?
The BMJ Publishing Group (http://www.bmj.com) is the publishing affiliate of the British Medical Association. It is one of the largest and most influential medical publishers in the world. Besides Clinical Evidence, the BMJ Publishing Group also produces the 170-year old British Medical Journal weekly as well as a host of other books and journals on the latest developments in medicine.

31. What is Clinical Evidence?
32. Why use Clinical Evidence?
Clinical Evidence is the international source of the best available evidence on the effects of common clinical interventions. It summarizes the current state of knowledge and uncertainty about the prevention and treatment of clinical conditions, based on thorough searches and appraisal of the literature. It is neither a textbook of medicine nor a set of guidelines. It describes the best available evidence from systematic reviews, RCTs and observational studies where appropriate, and if there is no good evidence it says so. Its contents are driven by questions rather than by the availability of research evidence. Rather than start with the evidence and summarizes what is there, we identify important clinical questions, and then search for and summarizes the best available evidence to answer them.

33. Who is responsible for the content of Clinical Evidence?
The BMJ Publishing Group is solely and completely responsible for the editorial content and topics contained in Clinical Evidence. Clinical Evidence is produced twice a year by the BMJ Publishing Group.

34. Do the conditions/topics change with each new issue of Clinical Evidence?
Six to eight NEW topics are added with each issue and ALL the topics from previous issues are included. The website is continuously updated with new information on current topics of Clinical Evidence and new topics and information added monthly.

35. How often is Clinical Evidence updated?
The Clinical Evidence website is updated monthly. The paper copy is produced twice a year (summer/winter). Each chapter/topic is reviewed on a 12-month cycle.

36. Who can I contact regarding topics and/or content in Clinical Evidence?
37. How can I become a contributor to Clinical Evidence?
38. I have questions on the information in the book, who can I talk to?
39. I disagree with the findings in the book – who can I talk to?
The BMJ Publishing Groups welcomes your input and questions. Please contact them at www.cefeedback.com.


Clinical Evidence Pediatrics – Summer 2005
This special edition was distributed in July 2005. It was done in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the BMJ Publishing Group and United Health Foundation. The BMJ Publishing Group and the American Academy of Pediatrics are responsible for the content. United Health Foundation funded the project.

40. Who received copies of Clinical Evidence Pediatrics?
All pediatricians in the United States and Canada received copies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provided the list.

41. How can I receive a copy of Clinical Evidence Pediatrics?
To request a copy send an email to ce@unitedhealthfoundation.org and request the pediatric edition. All topics and information in this edition is from Clinical Evidence Concise 13.

42. I received Clinical Evidence Pediatrics, do I still have free Internet access to Clinical Evidence?
Yes. United Health Foundation has made arrangements with the BMJ Publishing Group to provide six months free access to the Internet information for all recipients of the Pediatric version. You will need to register at www.clinicalevidence.com/aap-uhf and complete the requested information along with creating a user name and password for your use. Once this is done you should have complete access to the Internet version, updates and new information.

43. I am a pediatrician but would like the full version of Clinical Evidence or Clinical Evidence Concise. How can I get that?
The full text (2900+ pages) version is not available from United Health Foundation.

You may request to be on the distribution list for next issue of Clinical Evidence Concise as follows:

  1. If you have a copy of Clinical Evidence, complete the postcard in the book with your name, mailing address, city, state and zip code, fold it, add postage and drop it in the mail. You will receive the NEXT issue and any future issues United Health Foundation distributes; or
  2. Click on Clinical Evidence Request (this site) and complete the requested information (name, mailing address, city, state and zip code).
    We make every attempt to make sure you are on the distribution list for the NEXT issue of Clinical Evidence.

44. Is this information different that that found in Clinical Evidence?
The information in Clinical Evidence Pediatrics is from Clinical Evidence Concise 13. The only difference being ALL background information was provided for the topics in Clinical Evidence Pediatric. Please go to the Clinical Evidence website, www.clinicalevidence.com, for the most up to date information on these and ALL other topics of Clinical Evidence.


Clinical Evidence Mental Health (August 2004)
United Health Foundation distributed this special edition of Clinical Evidence Mental Health in June 2004.

45. How can I receive a copy of Clinical Evidence Mental Health?
This edition is still available. To request a copy send an email to ce@unitedhealthfoundation.org and request the mental health edition. All topics from this edition are taken from Clinical Evidence Concise 11. Please refer to the Clinical Evidence website at www.clinicalevidence.com for the most up to date information on these and all other topics of Clinical Evidence.

46. Who received copies of Clinical Evidence Mental Health?
The book was provided to our nation’s 75,000 behavioral health professionals.

47. I received Clinical Evidence Mental Health, do I still have free Internet access to Clinical Evidence?
Yes. United Health Foundation has made arrangements with the BMJ Publishing Group to provide six months free access to the Internet information for all recipients of the mental health version. You will need to register at www.clinicalevidence.com/aap-uhf and complete the requested information along with creating a user name and password for your use. Once this is done you should have complete access to the Internet version, all updates and new information.

48. I received Clinical Evidence Mental Health but would like the full version of Clinical Evidence or Clinical Evidence Concise. How can I get that?
The full text (2900+ pages) version is not available from United Health Foundation.
You may request to be on the distribution list for next issue of Clinical Evidence Concise as follows:

  1. If you have a copy of Clinical Evidence, complete the postcard in the book with your name, mailing address, city, state and zip code, fold it, add postage and drop it in the mail. You will receive the NEXT issue and any future issues United Health Foundation distributes; or
  2. Click on Clinical Evidence Request (this site) and complete the requested information (name, mailing address, city, state and zip code).
    We make every attempt to make sure you are on the distribution list for the NEXT issue of Clinical Evidence.

49. Is this information different that that found in Clinical Evidence?
The information in Clinical Evidence Mental Health is from Clinical Evidence Concise 11. The only difference being ALL background information was provided for the behavioral health topics in Clinical Evidence Mental Health. Please refer to the Clinical Evidence website at www.clinicalevidence.com for the most up to date information on these and other topics of Clinical Evidence.