EBM is an approach to medical practice that emphasizes the use of the best available evidence from scientific research in making clinical decisions for individual patients. It integrates clinical expertise with the best available external evidence from systematic research and patient values and preferences.
An experimental study design in which participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group. RCTs are considered the gold standard for assessing the effectiveness of medical interventions.
A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies on a particular topic to produce a quantitative summary of the evidence. Meta-analyses can provide more robust estimates of treatment effects by pooling data from several studies.
A comprehensive and unbiased summary of the existing evidence on a specific clinical question or topic. Systematic reviews use predefined methods to identify, appraise, and synthesize relevant studies, providing clinicians with a high-quality overview of the available evidence.
Recommendations developed by expert panels to assist clinicians in making informed decisions about appropriate healthcare interventions for specific clinical circumstances. CPGs are based on a synthesis of the best available evidence and are updated regularly to reflect new research findings.
A hierarchical system used to grade the quality and strength of evidence from research studies. Commonly used levels of evidence include randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and expert opinion.
Systematic errors or deviations from the truth in the results of research studies, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. Common types of bias in medical research include selection bias, measurement bias, and publication bias.
The tendency for studies with positive results to be published and for studies with negative or null results to remain unpublished or difficult to find. Publication bias can distort the overall evidence base and lead to inaccurate conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions.
An approach to healthcare that emphasizes the active involvement of patients in shared decision-making about their care. Patient-centered care recognizes the importance of considering patients’ values, preferences, and individual circumstances in clinical decision-making.
The process of applying research findings from the literature to clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. This process may involve adapting evidence-based guidelines to local contexts, addressing barriers to implementation, and promoting continuous quality improvement in healthcare delivery.