Chair: Charles A. Reitman, MD
This course provides the fundamentals of evidence-based medicine (EBM) with specific focus on critically appraising the literature. There will be didactic presentations and small group assignments to allow for practice in critiquing studies and assigning levels of evidence. Completion of this course meets the EBM training requirement for participation on all NASS committees.
Upon completion of this course, participants will gain strategies to:
- Define evidence-based medicine, appreciating the importance of the integration of all three components in its practice: best research evidence, clinical expertise and patient values;
- Construct answerable questions to assist in identifying relevant evidence;
- Perform computer searches of electronic databases of clinical research literature;
- Evaluate clinical value of research from an evidence-based perspective;
- Define different types of studies, their strengths and limitations;
- Determine levels of evidence and how they are applied based upon the type of clinical question being addressed;
- Apply these techniques within their practices;
- Assign levels of evidence to research studies;
- Apply these techniques in the critical appraisal of studies that impact planning care patients.
The North American Spine Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Agenda
Introduction: What is Evidence-Based Medicine?
William C. Watters, III, MD
Constructing Answerable Clinical Questions
Gary Ghiselli, MD
Small Group Assignment & Discussion: Constructing Answerable Clinical Questions
Gary Ghiselli, MD
Continuous vs. Categorical Data
D. Scott Kreiner, MD
How to Perform a Thorough Literature Search: Presentation and Demo
William C. Watters, III, MD
Levels of Evidence
Charles A. Reitman, MD
Types of Studies: Strengths and Limitations
Zoher Ghogawala, MD
Stats Review: Supplemental Material: Stats Glossary
Christopher M. Bono, MD
Critically Evaluating the Literature (Part I) – Demonstration
Christopher M. Bono, MD
Charles A. Reitman, MD
Different EBM Algorithms and Systems for Grading Clinical Evidence
Daniel K. Resnick, MD, MS
Critically Evaluating the Literature (Part II) – Demonstration
D. Scott Kreiner, MD
Small Group Assignment #1: Review 3 Studies/ Assign Level of Evidence
D. Scott Kreiner, MD
Gary Ghiselli, MD
Small Group Assignment #2: Review 3 Studies/ Assign Level of Evidence
Steven Hwang, MD
Questions/Answers
Faculty Panel