Medical Guides Based on Journal Evidence

Testing, prevention and treatment

• HIV Non Reactive Meaning: Your Test Result Explained
• What to Do After Possible HIV Exposure: PEP Explained
• How PrEP Prevents HIV: An Evidence-Based Guide
• How HIV Treatment Works: An Evidence-Based Guide to Antiretroviral Therapy

Skin symptoms

• HIV Rash Pictures: What Images Can and Cannot Tell You
• Beginning HIV Skin Rash: Timing, Appearance and Testing
• Early HIV Rash on Black Skin: Signs and When to Get Tested
• HIV Pimples on Black Skin: Causes and When to Get Tested

Determine what your question is

At the start of each guide, there’s a practical question posed and a description of all that it intends to include. This keeps the writers focused on what the current evidence supports — and not writing things that the evidence doesn’t support.

Find the strongest current evidence

First, the authors search for evidence-based guidelines put together by recognised professional and public-health organisations. Second, they evaluate systematic reviews and peer-reviewed studies relevant to their topic. Finally, they check if the source is current, describes the population studied, lists potential limitations and whether any subsequent evidence exists which might affect the original conclusions.

Clearly state uncertainty

Guides should indicate whenever the evidence is incomplete, conflicting or only indirectly supports a conclusion. They should also explain when different opinions exist among clinicians.

Separate findings from advice for an individual reader

All guides receive human editorial review. All content discussing diagnosis, treatment, medicines, pregnancy, children or patient safety also requires review by a suitably qualified medical professional. In addition, the guide states who provided the medical review and provides the relevant dates.

Any meaningful updates to the material are noted on the page. Readers can submit errors, outdated sources or an editorial issue through the corrections process.