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Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)

WHAT IS EBM?

Classic EBM - David Sackett

"the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients."

(Sachett D. Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't. BMJ 1996;312:71)

EBM Today

Today's EBM employs tools and a disciplined approach to inform clinical decision making that integrates the best available evidence with clinical experience and patient circumstances.

Competencies include knowledge of, and ability to appropriately use resources for finding the best evidence coupled with an awareness of the strength and quality of the evidence.

Best Evidence

  • valid, clinically relevant recommendations, based on the best available scientific evidence, from reputable sources

Clinician Expertise

  • education, knowledge, and experience of the clinician that assist in decision-making

Patient Values

  • patient's circumstances, desires or wishes, previous experiences, concerns, and expectations that they bring to each clinical encounter

EBM According to MeSH

Readings