Evidence Based Medicine: How to Present the Results of Evidence Based Search

Abstract

Evidence based medicine (EBM) has many definitions. The most widely cited definition of EBM is adapted from Sackett et al definition of evidence based medicine (EBM). This states that EBM is: "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The practice of evidence-based medicine means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research" [1].
The definition above highlights the need to draw on both the professional's clinical experiential knowledge and the best external evidence. Neither is enough on its own. As Sackett and his colleagues point out, clinical practices become out of date if new evidence is not drawn upon. However, the clinician must be aware of what evidence is appropriate to integrate into their practice. This can prove to be a difficult and time-consuming task but it is an essential skill in implementing evidence based practice. Health care delivered in ignorance of available research evidence, misses important opportunities to benefit patients and may cause significant harm [2,4]. Providing evidence-based care is recognized as a key skill for health care workers from diverse professions and cultures [5-10]. The ability to deliver evidence-based practice medicine individualization of care and assures the quality of health care for patients today as well as those of tomorrow