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Evidence-based medicine: how do we find the evidence?
K O Odunsi1, I E Cooke, D L Olive
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA.
Summary
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) improves patient care, but accessing quality studies can be challenging. The Cochrane Library offers a comprehensive solution for finding reliable evidence, enhancing EBM implementation.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Practice
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is crucial for improving patient care.
- Accessing high-quality research is essential for effective EBM.
- Existing databases like MEDLINE and EMBASE have limitations in comprehensiveness and search efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in accessing evidence for clinical practice.
- To introduce the Cochrane Library as a solution to these challenges.
- To emphasize the value of the Cochrane Library in supporting EBM.
Main Methods:
- Literature search strategies for medical databases were discussed.
- The creation and content of the Cochrane Library were described.
- The Cochrane Library's utility for evidence-based medicine was evaluated.
Main Results:
- MEDLINE and EMBASE require specialized search techniques and are not exhaustive.
- The Cochrane Library provides systematic reviews and a controlled trial registry.
- The Cochrane Library is a valuable resource for accessing quality studies.
Conclusions:
- The Cochrane Library significantly aids the practice of evidence-based medicine.
- It offers a more comprehensive and accessible resource compared to traditional databases.
- Its systematic reviews and trial registry support informed clinical decision-making.