title: Clinical Epidemiology (CE) and Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in the Asia Pacific region (Round Table Forum).
abstract: Clinical Epidemiology (CE) and Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) have become increasingly important in an era of rising costs, patient safety concerns and evidence-based health care. CE and EBM research in the Asia Pacific region have grown significantly. However, there are three main challenges such as linking evidence to practice and policy; developing a strong collaborative network; and a need for resources and technical expertise to produce evidence. The Cochrane Collaboration is a possible solution to resolve above challenges identified, particularly the challenge of transforming evidence to practice. In addition, training can be carried out to enhance technical expertise in the region and there is also the promising potential that collaborations could extend beyond systematic reviews. To improve the adoption of evidence-based health policy, selection of the best evidence for the right audience and focusing on the relevant issues through appropriate methodology are essential. Information on effectiveness and cost effectiveness needs to be highlighted for policy makers. The way forward to strengthen research and capacity building is to establish the Asia Pacific Consortium for CE and EBM. The consortium would help to create mutually rewarding scientific research and collaborations that will augur well for advances in CE and EBM.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Population Health (CePH), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. tintinsu03@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Tin Tin
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Awang M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bulgiba
authors.forename: Pichet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sampatanukul
authors.forename: Sudigdo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sastroasmoro
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Prathap
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tharyan
authors.forename: Vivian
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yut Lin
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D004813:Epidemiology / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia; D007391:International Cooperation; D008296:Malaysia; D013624:Taiwan; D013785:Thailand
keywords: Asia Pacific; Australia; Clinical epidemiology; Evidence-based medicine; Evidence-based policy; Indonesia; Malaysia; Taiwan; Thailand