AJGP Clinical Challenge June 2018: Evidence-based medicine

To provide guidance for the general practitioner on evaluating research evidence and educational materials

Clinical practice is now guided by evidence of benefits and harms. However, it is essential to evaluate the quality and validity of evidence, as a number of factors, such as conflicts of interest and flawed research methodology, can contribute to bias and lead to misinformation.1–6 GPs need to evaluate information they receive and recognise potential sources of bias and error, to ensure that they provide sound recommendations for their patients. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) evaluates the safety and efficacy of medicines, but does not make recommendations about the one product over another.7 Cochrane reviews provide analyses of research findings on a variety of clinical questions, but these reviews can be difficult to navigate.8
The June issue of AJGP provides guidance for GPs, to assist them in evaluating research evidence and recognising potential sources of bias and error.
Refs on file

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

• Quality evidence-based resources are critically analysed and utilised

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

D4. Professional and ethical role

• Professional knowledge and skills are reviewed and developed

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

• Quality and safety is enhanced through the effective use of information systems

• Adult health
• Care of older people
• Children and young people health
• Men's health
• Pregnancy care
• Women's health
• Abuse and violence
• Addiction medicine
• Dermatology
• Disaster management
• Ear and nose medicine
• Eye medicine
• Musculoskeletal and sports medicine
• Occupational medicine
• Oncology and palliative care
• Pain management
• Psychological health
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Travel medicine
• Oral Health