Introduction to Evidence Based Medicine
BUSM III: Family Medicine Clerkship
Boston University Medical Center

Tutorial Index
Tutorial Home
Key for Using this Tutorial
Why Bother With EBM?
(4 pages)
Where Do Questions Arise?
4 Elements of a Clear Clinical Question
Why Be So Specific About the Question? (2 pages)
Step 1: Define the Patient or Problem
Step 2: Define the Intervension
Step 3: Define the Comparison
Step 4: Define the Outcome
Summary Table

WHY BOTHER? (continued)

Our information needs are not being met

  • In 1/2 day of practice, physicians need up to 16 new pieces of clinically important information.
  • Only 30% of these needs are met in the office; usually by asking colleagues.
  • Barriers: lack of time, texts out of date, journals are too disorganized.
Created by John Wiecha, Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine.
Website designed by Stefanie Curry, Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine.
©Copyright 2000-2002