Veterinary Medicine OLD GUIDE

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is traditionally defined by Sackett et al. (1997) as, "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients."

More recently, Cockroft and Holmes (2003) have noted that evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is, "a process of lifelong, self-directed problem-based learning."

Evidence-based practice is not a "one size fits all" solution or rule. It is a habit that the clinical practitioner uses to systematically identify, appraise, and apply evidence that relates to the clinical case at hand in conjunction with their expertise and experience, and the patient's history and needs.

Click here for an EBVM mini-tutorial.

Cockroft PD, Holmes MA. (2003). Handbook of evidence-based veterinary medicine. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing.

Sackett DL, Richardwon WS, Rosenberg W. (1997). Evidence-based medicine: how to practice and teach EBM (1st edition). New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone.

Schmidt P. (2007). Evidence-based veterinary medicine: evolution, revolution, or repackaging of veterinary practice? Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 37(3):409-417. (Image source)