[Evidence-based radiology for diagnostic imaging: what it is and how to practice it]

Evidence-based radiology is defined as the decision that results from integrating clinical information to select the most appropriate imaging test on the basis of the best available evidence, the physician's experience, and the patient's expectations. The practice of evidence-based radiology consists of five steps: formulating the question, performing an efficient search of the literature, critically evaluating the literature, applying the results of the search and evaluation while taking into account our experience and the patient's values, and evaluating the results obtained within our own practice. In diagnostic imaging, the number of resources available for evidence-based radiology is increasing: apart from books, articles, and web pages on this subject, evidence-based radiology is receiving more attention at diagnostic imaging conferences. The principles of evidence-based radiology will help promote the appropriate use of resources, greatly benefiting patients (decreasing the use of examinations that use ionizing radiation), professionals (less overload), and managers (more efficient use of resources).