The importance and impact of evidence-based medicine

To describe the new paradigm of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and the benefits of using EBM in making treatment decisions for individual patients.

Applying the knowledge gained from large clinical trials to patient care promotes consistency of treatment and optimal outcomes, helps establish national standards of patient care, and sets criteria to measure and reward performance-based medical practice. Implementing the principles of EBM, which rely on the rules of evidence and research, requires a commitment from medical schools, local health and medical licensing departments, physicians, pharmacists, professional associations, and managed care organizations. A review of results from landmark trials in hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and end-stage renal disease describes the research for evidence-based therapies. A review of studies in the pharmacist.s expanding role in implementing evidence-based medicine shows the benefits of collaborative medical practices.

Implementation of EBM in the managed care setting provides standards that have the potential to provide the best medical care at the lowest cost.