Evidence Based Medicine: In Sherlock Holmes' Footsteps

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. 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. 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.