Is the involvement of opinion leaders in the implementation of research findings a feasible strategy?

Background: There is only limited empirical evidence about the effectiveness of opinion leaders as health care change agents.

Aim: To test the feasibility of identifying, and the characteristics of, opinion leaders using a sociometric instrument and a self-designating instrument in different professional groups within the UK National Health Service.

Design: Postal questionnaire survey.

Using meta-analysis to summarise evidence within systematic reviews.

Systematic review and meta-analysis are two methods, used to summarise scientific evidence in order to inform further research and policy, that are being used with increasing frequency. It is important, therefore, that nurses and other health professionals understand how a systematic review and meta-analysis are carried out, and something of the relationship between the two methods. Systematic review, also known as overview, and meta-analysis can provide concise information for providers, purchasers and patients.