Evidence-Based Medicine: In Sherlock Holmes' Footsteps

ISBN-13: 9781405157131 / Angielski / Miękka / 2006 / 104 str.

Jorgen Nordenstrom

Opis

This lively handbook on the fundamentals of Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) leads the reader, step by step, through a process that proceeds from a patient's medical history, via information searches and critical appraisal of the literature, to recommendations for treatment.
Using a simple four-step approach, the author illustrates how to develop better questions and more effective searches, resulting in objective and clinically relevant information that can be evaluated and implemented in day-to-day practice. Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, the famous fictional detectives, assist throughout, drawing parallels between criminal and medical investigation, and simplifying the processes and themes of EBM.
Evidence-Based Medicine in Sherlock Holmes' Footsteps is a concise, accessible and instructive introduction to EBM for medical students, health care trainees, doctors and allied health professionals, and a valuable resource for anyone wanting to improve their ability to search, access and interpret the wealth of information at the fingertips of today's medical community.

Recenzje

"A useful and introductory book Small and easy to read. The arrangement and layout of the book are easy on the eye Some interesting examples used to explain some of the basic concepts." ( Evidence Based Medicine, August 2008)

"Small enough to read on the bus to placement but contains enough ′meat′ to keep you entertained. It is clearly set out, and using Sherlock Holmes′ steps really makes it a novel and interesting read. I think it′s the best evidence based decision making book I have read." (The Placebo Effect, HYMS Gazette)

Based on a solid foundation concise handbook that learners and practitioners alike could easily carry around In this regard, the book is quite a success. (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Reviews of the original Swedish publication

The entertaining analogy between critical appraisal and Sherlock Holmes´detective work, with well–found and appropriate quotations, makes the reading a pure pleasure. (Läkartidningen 2004; 40:3100–1)

The book is a little pearl and is warmly recommended. (Ugeskrift for Laeger 2004; 18 October:43)

The author has succeeded in creating a comprehensive, relevant and at times witty book. It is a useful and readable introduction [to EBM] that is warmly recommended. (Tidskrift for den Norske Laegeforening 2005;1:125)

[The author]has written an ingenious book, a compact EBM textbook in a light format, with a twinkle in his eye. The subject has been packaged for easy digetion fish liver oil encapsulated in candy. (Lääkärilehti 2005;3:322)

This book written by Surgery Professor J.N. is a little pearl! Not only is it tasteful, humorous and well structured; it is also comprehensive, nutritious and most importantly– understandable in an area where other more voluminous books fail. (Svensk Bibliotekstjänst 2004:15)

Spis treści

FOREWORD.

INTRODUCTION.

STEP 1 FORMULATE AN ANSWERABLE QUESTION.

Information Sources.

Choosing the Appropriate Database.

Systematic Reviews/Meta–Analysis.

Meta–Search Engines.

Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Critically Appraised Topics (CATs).

Primary Information Sources.

Library Resources.

Other EBM Portals.

STEP 2 INFORMATION SEARCH.

Make a Wide Search with High Sensitivity.

Principal Database Search Strategy.

Limit Your Search Results/Increase Your Specificity.

Use a Good Hit for Further Searches.

STEP 3 REVIEW OF INFORMATION AND CRITICAL APPRAISAL.

Quality Assessment of Information.

Evaluation of the Scientific Quality.

Quality of Evidence.

STEP 4 EMPLOY THE RESULTS IN YOUR DAILY PRACTICE.

Applicability.

Balance between Benefit and Harm.

Strength of Recommendation.

Patient s Perceptions.

Make a Recommendation.

Communicating the Evidence to Your Patient.

DEDUCTION, ANALYSIS AND MEDICINE.

REFERENCES.

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION SOURCES AND SEARCH ENGINES.

INTERNET–BASED SPREADSHEETS.

SHERLOCK HOLMES REFERENCES.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

RECOMMENDED EBM LITERATURE.

GLOSSARY.

INDEX

O autorze

Jorgen Nordenstrom Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden

Blurb

This lively new title presents evidence–based medicine in a new appealing and simple format. The reader is guided through all the steps of evidence–based medicine in chronological order; formulating a question, searching for information, reviewing the evidence and employing the conclusion, making it well–structured and easy to follow.

As medicine is much like detective work, the references to Sherlock Holmes assist in illustrating key points and make the content memorable, interesting and accessible. Evidence–Based Medicine in Sherlock Holmes′ Footsteps demonstrates how evidence–based medicine can be practiced in a variety of clinical settings and gives excellent practical advice on accessing the best evidence quickly and effectively.

A useful aid for biomedical science and medical students, Evidence–Based Medicine in Sherlock Holmes′ Footsteps is equally suitable for practicing health professionals. Reference to its pages will leave any reader better armed to find and appraise the research literature relevant to the care of patients.