References
Evaluating evidence in practice
Abstract
Evaluating evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques can be an extremely rewarding part of the advisory process. The result of applying the ‘best evidence’ approach from a careful appraisal of the scientific literature available and the data from a clinical case, should significantly reduce the risk of an adverse outcome. Sharing the consequences of using a Knowledge Summary with other professionals either within a practice or in a wider field, can make consultation a much more efficient and risk-averse process. Once the value to be obtained from the EBM search is aligned between stakeholders, a project can be built that is both accountable and measurable within the group and clear differences determined, between the start and end of the project. The evaluation process should include all possible parameters, including those from the case and the stakeholders' time saved after improvement has been found. In future, the ability to share the outcome of EBM case management within an online platform could be beneficial to both advisory, farm and companion animal health businesses.
In the last article (Steele, 2020), we examined the process of finding and assessing available evidence from scientific literature and compiling it into a Knowledge Summary to aid clinical decisions. This communication will concentrate on obtaining and evaluating the effects of using evidence-based techniques to support professional or commercial needs. In order to show any value in something, an understanding of the requirements it may fulfil is essential. It is also necessary to consider why an evidence search or analysis is needed and to define what its purpose might be in order to get a clear idea of what expectations are to be gained. Only when this has been determined, can the user begin to monitor outcomes from their case management and any differences from the original situation be assessed. This can be linked back to the initial requirements and either personal, professional or commercial value be calculated.
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