Clinical teachers' attitudes toward the efficacy of evidence-based medicine workshop and self-reported ability in evidence-based practice in Iran.
BACKGROUND
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has been introduced in medical schools worldwide, but there is little known about effective methods for teaching EBM skills, particularly in developing countries. This study assesses the impact of an EBM workshop on clinical teachers' attitudes and use of EBM skills.


METHODS
Seventy-two clinical teachers attended two half-day workshops on EBM. Participants completed precourse and postcourse questionnaires using a 5-point Likert scale. Nonparametric 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed to compare responses.


RESULTS
Attitudes about EBM improved (3.2 precourse vs 3.4 postcourse), as did self-reported EBM skills (3.1 vs 4.4, p < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
An EBM workshop may improve clinical teachers' abilities and skills in using EBM. However, carefully designed studies are required to evaluate the long-term effects of EBM curricula in changing behaviors, practice patterns, and patient care outcomes.
Kouhpayehzadeh
Jalil
J
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Education Development Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. jkuhpayeh@yahoo.com
Baradaran
Hamid
H
Arabshahi
Kamran Soltani
KS
Knill-Jones
Robin
R
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D013663:Teaching