Evidence Based Medicine: Module 4: Apply

One of the 3 key principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is that the evidence alone is never sufficient to make a clinical decision. Clinicians require expertise in interpreting the patient dilemma (in its clinical, social, and economic contexts) and in identifying the body of evidence that bears on optimal patient treatment. These considerations, however, are not enough. Evidence-based medicine requires that clinical decisions be consistent with the informed values and preferences of the patient.¹

Eliciting a patient's values and preferences and taking them into account when making decisions is a complex skill set. Below we suggest readings and resources to help help clinicians engage in this process.

Recommended Readings

• Montori, Victor M., et al. "Decision Making and the Patient." Users' Guides to the Medical Literature: A Manual for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, 3rd ed Eds. Gordon Guyatt, et al. McGraw Hill, 2015
• Haynes RB, Devereaux PJ, Guyatt GH Clinical expertise in the era of evidence-based medicine and patient choice BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine 2002;7:36-38

Resources

• Mayo Clinic Care That Fits Tools
• University of California San Fransisco ePrognosis
• MGH Decision Sciences Center Tools and Training

1. Rennie D, Meade M, Guyatt G, Cook D. Users’ guides to the medical literature : a manual for evidence-based clinical practice . Philadelphia: McGraw Hill Education Medical; 2015.