Where can one find short evidence-based summaries about clinical questions? Cochrane P.E.A.R.L.S. is the answer. P.E.A.R.L.S. is an acronym for Practical Evidence About Real Life Situations, produced by Cochrane Primary Care and identifies Cochrane Reviews useful to those who work in primary care, as well as consumers looking for evidence about primary healthcare treatments. 

Each P.E.A.R.L.is a 200 word structured minimalist summary of a Cochrane Review. Its message is usually contained in the title. The summary is divided into four sections: the clinical question, the bottom line, the caveat (which points out the specific conditions or limitation) and the context. There are presently 450 P.E.A.R.L.S. online, and over 40 new ones being added each year. 

P.E.A.R.L.S. are an educational tool and provides guidance on the effectiveness of clinical treatments in primary care but they do not replace clinical judgement in the management of individual cases.   

You can browse P.E.A.R.L.S online or have them delivered straight to your inbox at no cost at www.cochraneprimarycare.org