Evidence-Based Decision Making in Action: Part 1 - Finding the Best Clinical Evidence

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to introduce evidence-based concepts and demonstrate how to find valid evidence to answer clinical questions. Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) requires understanding new concepts and developing new skills including how to: ask good clinical questions, conduct a computerized search, critically appraise the evidence, apply the results in clinical practice, and evaluate the process. This approach recognizes that clinicians can never be completely current with all conditions, medications, materials, or available products. Thus EBDM provides a mechanism for addressing these gaps in knowledge in order to provide the best care possible.In Part 1, a case scenario demonstrates the application of the skills involved in structuring a clinical question and conducting an online search using PubMed. Practice tips are provided along with online resources related to the evidence-based process.

Development of an Interdisciplinary Course in Information Resources and Evidence‐Based Dentistry

“…Numerous studies involving medical and dental students, residents, and physicians show that learners in each of these disciplines value the opportunity to acquire critical thinking and appraisal skills, and our results concurred. 6,7,11,14,15,17,18,21,25,27 A strength of our course lies in its interdisciplinary nature, which greatly facilitated meeting its goals. Each instructor brings expertise to the class and allows demonstration of the practical use for the information and skills being addressed.…”

“…Dentists must be clinically effective; i.e., they must ensure that their specific clinical interventions, when implemented for a particular patient or population, do what they are intended to do-improve and maintain health and achieve the greatest possible health gain from the available resources. 6 This requires that the student obtain adequate training because students are often not as knowledgeable in the area of computer literacy and critical thinking as is perceived. For example, a study by Mattheos et al found that the computer skills of European dental students and educators were not as sophisticated as often perceived through self-assessment.…”

Application of evidence-based medicine to veterinary clinical nutrition

“…14,20 Traditional sources of evidence include materials such as textbooks, personal journals, conference proceedings, and clinical guidelines. Much of this evidence is not based on appropriately conducted clinical studies in the target species.…”

Critical Appraisal and Positive Outcome Bias in Case Reports Published in Brazilian Dental Journals

“…431 (99.1) 0 (0,0) 4 (0.9) potential for successful patient care outcomes. 8 When considering a case report, dentists need to be aware of the strengths and weakness of the study design, to know how the study was conducted and reported, to understand factors that encourage publication of case reports, and to know how the publication process takes place. These indicators may help practitioners to judge the relevance and application of the evidence for a specific clinical problem or a question that needs to be answered.…”