Yoav Ben-Shlomo, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Epidemiology, Bristol, England pointed out that a hostile member of the group can be very productive as they voice what many others think but won't say. One can use their criticisms both to show the errors of the anti-EBM camp but also agree when appropriate. So he starts his sessions presenting a Venn diagram that shows how evidence is but one of multiple factors to be considered in clinical decision making. He explains this small area is very important and that is why they will concentrate on that area in the session. Adrian Roberts, GP Vocational Training Course Organiser, Cornwall, England also uses the technique of presenting the same results in different ways to create cognitive dissonance.
Participants then read out their statements in which ever order they chose.
The themes were summarised and then points were dealt with in turn, first by framing them as questions and then by providing examples in reply. Examples were displayed on transparencies prepared earlier.