[Function of evidence-based medicine in general practice. Case report: streptococcal pharyngitis]

A Bavarian country doctor taking part in a course on evidence-based medicine, put the question whether there was any evidence that, in children with confirmed streptococcal infection of the respiratory tract, appropriate antibiotic treatment could reduce the risk of late complications. With the help of the German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI), we undertook a search of the literature, which, however, failed to turn up any information in support of a prophylactic effect of antibiotic treatment in such a case. To avoid jumping to hasty conclusions, however, the consequences that appear to suggest themselves, should be carefully considered. This example points up three major aspects of evidence-based medicine (attitude, tools and facts) that the doctor needs to acquire, and without which modern medicine will not be possible.