The Effect of Introducing Evidence Based Medicine on Critical Appraisal Skills of Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is a set of methods and resources for finding and employing the best evidences among present resources in order to manage each patient. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an introductory course of EBM on critical appraisal skills of medical students. Methods: This Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) was performed on clerkship students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2007. Thirty-five clerkship medical students enrolled in a two day EBM workshop in students' Scientific Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Each participant filled out a standard questionnaire before and just after the workshop. Paired t-test was used to compare participants' responses to the questions before and after the workshop. Results: According to the findings, a significant change was observed in critical appraisal skills of medical students after the intervention. Conclusion: A short-term introductory course on EBM may increase critical appraisal skills of medical students effectively.

Keywords

• evidence based medicine
• critical appraisal
• clerkship