April 4th, 2009
Understanding Evidence-Based Medicine
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the practice of integrating clinical experience and patient values with the best available research information to optimize patient outcomes.
A healthcare provider concluding on a clinical decision through EBM can be akin to a financial analyst concluding on a business model. A balance sheet of benefits and harms is drawn up based on a combination of research findings and the patient’s unique circumstances and the clinician then makes an informed decision in the best interest of the patient’s outcome.
Incorporating the best available research information is key to EBM decision-making and involves four essential steps: