Article Abstract:
Researches describe a process that doctors can use to incorporate the results of medical research into their individual practice. Doctors must evaluate patients' risk of harm if they don't receive the treatment and their risk of harm from the treatment itself. The patient's own values must be considered. Some people may want the doctor to make the final decision whereas others want to make the decision themselves.
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Article Abstract:
Tips for applying the principles of evidence-based medicine to the care of individual patients are presented. Evidence-based medicine means forming treatment plans based on scientific evidence of what works and what does not work. This evidence usually comes from clinical trials.
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Article Abstract:
Computer-based clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) may improve patient care by guiding physicians in their clinical decisions, but validating such systems is complicated. CDSSs might evaluate laboratory test results, compare physician orders against standard protocols, and offer treatment recommendations. Evaluations should randomize patients or physicians to an intervention group using the CDSS and a control group not using the system. Research on CDSSs is difficult because staff using the CDSS, and learning from it, may also treat patients not assigned to CDSS-guided care. Physicians should carefully evaluate the research methods employed when they are reviewing clinical trials of CDSS systems.
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