EBM is about linking research to patients and service problems, and about clinical effectiveness. The approach identifies real clinical problems which are translated into questions answerable by literature search and critical review, or by appropriate generalisable research. The results are then properly interpreted to yield a solution which is applied and evaluated in practice. The elements of the process should be formally defined, explicit and, where appropriate, subject to objective, quantitative analysis. The results should be disseminated effectively.
Training is provided through short courses with professional organisations and at meetings.
Longer research training will be provided through modular M.Med. Publication will include articles on EBP in the J Clin Pathol leading to a handbook on critical appraisal of investigations and test-use. An EBP supplement to J Clin Pathol will complement Evidence-based Medicine. EBM is a clinical research activity CEBP is part of a network of EBM centres to develop research-based, evaluative, clinical practice. The special skills of CEBP are in laboratory investigation and diagnosis, classification and prognosis.