Painless Evidence-Based Medicine

This updated edition ofPainless Evidence-Based Medicine presents basic concepts and application of research statistics in simple and practical manner creating an introductory approach to the complex and technical subject of evidence-based medicine from experienced teachers.

• A simplified introductory approach to the complex and technical subject of evidence-based medicine from experienced teachers
• Approaches learning from the vantage point of clinical questions on therapy, diagnosis, prognosis or harm rather than the framework of study designs
• Provides tables and boxed case studies throughout highlighting key topics, or difficult issues, in an easy to read manner
• Emphasizes applicability of EBM, encouraging readers to dissect the evidence and how results can be applied to individual patients with different circumstances, varying values and preferences
• New to the Second Edition are chapters on health screening, clinical practice guidelines, and major updates incorporating recommended trial criteria

Antonio L. Dans, MD, MSc, Professor, Cardiology, General Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines; Asia-Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Philippines.

Leonila F. Dans, MD, MSc, Professor, Pediatric Rheumatology, Clinical Epidemiology; University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines; Asia-Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Philippines.

Maria Asuncion A. Silvestre, MD, Neonatal Perinatal Medicine; Asia-Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Philippines.

List of Contributors vii

Foreword to the First Edition xi

Foreword to the Second Edition xvii

Preface xix

1 Introduction 1

2 Evaluation of Articles on Therapy 12

3 Evaluation of Articles on Diagnosis 38

4 Evaluation of Articles on Harm 58

5 Evaluation of Articles on Prognosis 74

6 Evaluation of Systematic Reviews 87

7 Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines 100

8 Evaluation of Articles on Health Screening 112

9 Literature Searches 122

Index 139