[Evidence-based medicine and individualized health care]

In 21st century, clinical medicine moves toward a model of individualized health care. The development of the individualized model is based on the research findings of human genomics project including genotype and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as the new health care model, that is, biological-psychological-social-environmental-spiritual. It reflects the idea of patient-centered care, and corresponds to the traditional practice of Chinese medicine, which addressed the individualized therapy on the basis of symptom pattern differentiation. However, the era of evidence-based medicine affords new meanings of individualized health care and promotes the research on the practice. The practice based on evidence would happen upon the integration of external research evidence, the expertise and experience of practitioners, and the value and preference of patients, so the decision of health care will be conscientious, explicit and judicious. This assay describes the meanings of individualized health care in different medical contexts, the characteristics of individualized practice in Chinese medicine, and proposals for further research in practice.