Abstract

Evidence based medicine is about integrating individual clinical expertise and the best external evidence. Best evidence is derived from the research literature and can be categorised into a hierarchy of levels. Application of the knowledge derived from “best evidence” results in enhanced care for patients and also improved standards for doctors and health care institutions. Despite its ancient origins, it remains a relatively young discipline whose positive impacts are just beginning to be validated and it will continue to evolve.

Keywords

medicine, evidence, hierarchy