Evidence-based medicine in physiatry: the experience of one department's faculty and trainees

Evidence-based medicine is regarded by many as the new paradigm in medical practice. Sixty-seven medical school faculty and trainees in a physical medicine and rehabilitation department were surveyed with regard to training and competence in the use of evidence-based medicine techniques. The majority of subjects in the present study supported the use of evidence-based medicine techniques, although a number of the respondents indicated that they lacked adequate training or competence in their use. It is suggested that medical schools and physiatry residency programs provide a greater emphasis on training in evidence-based medicine. Recommendations are provided that individuals can use to develop a systematic strategy to keep up with the rapidly expanding medical literature.