title: [Evidence-based medicine and the Cochrane Skin Group].
abstract: The concept of evidence based medicine (EBM) has represented a paradigm shift in medical thinking and practise in the last decade. However, we seem to be stuck with the phrase, yet it is a term that is frequently abused and misunderstood. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to clarify what evidence based dermatology (EBD) is and what it is not. Some guidance on the four key steps in practising EBM in dermatology will be given. The central role of systematic reviews will be elaborated and the Cochrane skin group introduced. Finally, the limitation of EBD will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Klinische Sozialmedizin mit Schwerpunkt Berufs- und Umweltdermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg. thomas.diepgen@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Diepgen
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D003880:Dermatology / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012955:Societies, Medical
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