Evidence-Based Medicine in Iranian Schools of Traditional Medicine According to Experts

Background & Objective: Most experts of Iranian traditional medicine believe that it is absolutely necessary and inevitable to update the field to utilize evidence in education of Iranian traditional medicine students and treatment of its patients. In this regard, this study attempted to evaluate utilization of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in the curriculum of School of Iranian Traditional Medicine. Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured, individual, and face-to-face interviews were done to collect Iranian traditional medicine expert’s point of views in regard to EBM. Content analysis was done to analyze the data. Results: The study findings were classified in two major categories including EBM in the curriculum of Iranian traditional medicine, and EBM application in Iranian School of Traditional Medicine. The sub-categories were also mentioned. Conclusion: Although some sections of PhD program in traditional medicine are related to evidence based medicine, it is not satisfying yet. Therefore, the concept and principles of evidence based practice should be included in theory and practice. Keywords Evidence-based medicine Iranian traditional medicine Curriculu

Criteria for Evidence-based Practice in Iranian Traditional Medicine

The major difference between Iranian traditional medicine and allopathic medicine is in the application  of  evidence  and  documents.  In  this  study,  criteria  for  evidence-based  practice  in  Iranian traditional medicine and its rules of practice were studied. The experts’ views were investigated through in- depth, semi-structured interviews and the results were categorized into four main categories including Designing clinical questions/clinical question-based search, critical appraisal, resource search criteria and clinical prescription appraisal. Although the application of evidence in Iranian traditional medicine follows Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) principles but it benefits from its own rules, regulations, and criteria that are compatible with EBM