A small group learning model for evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) skills are invaluable tools for residents and practicing physicians. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of small-group learning models in teaching fundamental EBM skills.

The intervention consisted of an EBM bootcamp divided into four 2-hour sessions across 4-week rotations. Residents worked in small groups of three to four to explore fundamentals of EBM through interactive dialogue and mock clinical scenario practice. The intervention's effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and post-assessments.

A total of 40 (93.0%) residents out of a potential 43 participated in the EBM bootcamps across the 3 years. There was significant improvement of 3.28 points on self-assessed EBM skills from an average of 9.66-12.945 out of a maximum score of 15 (P=0.000). There was significant improvement of 1.68 points on the EBM skills test from an average of 6.02-7.71 out of a maximum score of 9 (P=0.00). All residents (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that EBM is important for a physician's clinical practice. This view did not change after the training.

A brief small-group interactive workshop in EBM basic skills at the start of residency was effective in developing fundamental EBM skills.