Evidence based critical care medicine; what is it and what can it do for us? Evidence Based Medicine in Critical Care Group.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the philosophy and approach to patient care called evidence based medicine, and to highlight how it can enhance the practice of intensive care.


METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, reference lists, and our personal files to identify relevant literature.


METHODS
Articles on intensive care practice, critical appraisal, clinical research, and healthcare delivery were selected for discussion.


RESULTS
We summarize the rationale for evidence based medicine, its applications and future developments, and suggest several methods for intensivists to use evidence based medicine in their practice and teaching.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence based medicine can complement other foundation disciplines in intensive care. This is the first article in a series entitled "Evidence Based Critical Care Medicine" which will demonstrate how this approach can be used at the bedside.
Cook
D J
DJ
Department of Medicine, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Sibbald
W J
WJ
Vincent
J L
JL
Cerra
F B
FB
D002983:Clinical Competence; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003422:Critical Care; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D013038:Specialization