“ACEing” the Evidence Within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

Brazilian Version of the ACE (Assessing Competencies in Evidence-Based Medicine) Tool: a Validation Study

“…The ACE Tool allows a broad assessment ("ask", "research", "critically appraise" and "integrate"), stimulating clinical reasoning, high practicality and a short response time. In fact, the ACE Tool has been used internationally to assess students 9,10 and educational strategies [11][12][13][14] , although Buljan et al have observed a lower "sensitivity to change", that is, a lower capacity of the ACE Tool to discriminate the knowledge obtained after courses, limiting its use as a "post-test evaluation" in relation to the Berlin questionnaire and the Fresno test 15 . It is also important to note that the ACE Tool is specifically targeted at a therapeutic issue, and important focal points of clinical activity, such as diagnosis and prognosis, are not included.…”

Versão brasileira da ferramenta Assessing Competencies in Evidence-Based Medicine (ACE): um estudo de validação

“…A ferramenta ACE permite uma avaliação ampla ("perguntar", "pesquisar", "avaliar criticamente" e "integrar"), com estímulo ao raciocínio clínico, elevada praticidade e um tempo de resposta curto. De fato, a ferramenta ACE vem sendo utilizada internacionalmente para a avaliação de estudantes 9,10 e de estratégias educacionais [11][12][13][14] , embora Buljan et al 15 tenham observado uma menor "sensibilidade à mudança", isto é, uma menor capacidade da ferramenta ACE em discriminar o conhecimento obtido após cursos, limitando seu uso como "avaliação pós-teste" em relação ao questionário de Berlin e ao teste de Fresno. É importante notar ainda que a ferramenta ACE é direcionada especificamente para uma questão terapêutica, e importantes focos da atividade clínica, Gráfico 1.…”

Evidence-Based Medicine Training in United States–Based Physiatry Residency Programs

“…The type, extent, and methods of EBM training vary widely across institutions and very few have a structured system to evaluate their EBM training. However, Yoon et al 6 recently published the results of a structured EBM curriculum based on all five recommended EBM core competencies, which resulted in significant improvements in their physiatry residents’ self-rated postcourse assessments. The reported success of the program in Yoon et al’s 6 report provides encouragement for potential success in other physiatry residency programs assuming implementation of similarly structured, blended EBM training.…”

“…Experience in other fields of medicine 4,5 suggests that that EBM training might be delivered to trainees by a combination of pedagogic methods, such as team-based and/or case-based learning, as well as interactive large-group learning sessions, similar to best practices generally recommended for medical education. 11 Published studies on EBM training methods piloted in residency programs using a blended learning approach (PM&R residency program) 6 and an integrated, practical, critical appraisal approach (pediatric residency program) 12 suggest that a variety of training approaches can be used to deliver EBM curricula to residents. Schwartzstein et al 11 recommend an approach that triggers questions and facilitates information retrieval, encourages viewing information from new perspectives, and, critically, provides the appropriate clinical context.…”

“…Structuring EBM training as a part of a "scholarly activity" requirement based on Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines may help programs satisfy Residency Review Committee program requirements while simultaneously increasing awareness/adoption of EBM in physiatry. Early success stories from physiatry residency programs that have implemented such training curricula 6 will prove useful as this model is replicated in other programs. The survey results reported in this article will serve as important background information to guide the development of curriculum recommendations for EBM training.…”