Evidence-based medicine and its implications for audiological science.
Evidence-based medicine is the use of current best evidence in making decisions about individual patients. It involves formulating a question, searching for information, appraisal of the literature, implementation and subsequent audit. Two case studies involving a non-linear hearing aid and cochlear implantation are used to illustrate the process. Critical appraisal of the evidence-based medicine in the general literature shows little sign that the approach is effective and indicates that further rigorous evaluation is a priority. It is suggested that systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines should be a high priority for audiologists and that a working group of audiologists should form to promote their production.
Robinson
K
K
Nottingham Paediatric Cochlear Implant Programme. kr@npcip.org.uk
D000293:Adolescent; D001298:Audiology; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome