title: Evidence-based medicine.
abstract: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is advocated by its protagonists as prototypical of, and therefore normative for, 'best professional practice', a position which has precipitated visceral anti-EBM sentiments within the international medical press. This article examines the nomenclature, claims, principles and practice of EBM, the matters of authority and competence in defining evidence for practice and how selective utilization of EBM findings will be employed by health service managers in an attempt to manage clinical decision making and ration the medical care of patients and populations.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Advancement of Clinical Practice, European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miles
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009626:Terminology as Topic