Evidence-based medical practice: as viewed by a clinical epidemiologist

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is an emerging new paradigm for medical practice and undergraduate teaching. It shifts the basis for clinical decision making from intuition and unsystematic clinical experience to the examination of evidence from clinical research.1 In recent years, the use of evidence-based decision making in health care has been gaining popularity. It requires that the results of primary research be compiled in a systematic manner and be made accessible to those involved in the decision-making process. With this approach, clinicians are aware of the evidence that supports their clinical practice and the strength of that evidence. Evidence-based health care promotes the collection, interpretation, and integration of valid, Evidence-based medical practice: as viewed by a clinical epidemiologist