The goal of evidence-based medicine is to decrease the knowledge gap between research and practice by interpreting conflicting results and assessing the evidence. The steps involved include precisely defining a patient population, proficiently searching and critically appraising relevant information from the literature, and then deciding whether - and how - to use this information in the treatment of patients. In order to provide readers with an expansive introduction, the authors have included chapters oncost effectiveness in primary care, computer aids to clinical practice, and assessing accuracy of screening and diagnostic tests. This practical text lays the groundwork for understanding the evidence-based approach so that physicians can improve their everyday clinical decision making skills.
* Useful resource that introduces physicians to evidence-based medicine as part of clinical decision making
* Includes large amount of patient vignettes, figures and tables to illustrate concepts
* Emphasizes practical applications of evidence-based medicine
Richard A. Deyo: MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Health Services, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle; Head, Section of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle
John P. Geyman: MD, Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
Scott D. Ramsey: MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle; Staff Physician, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle