How learning style affects evidence-based medicine:a survey study

BACKGROUND: Learning styles determine how people manage new information. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) involves the management of information in clinical practice. As a consequence, the way in which a person uses EBM can be related to his or her learning style. In order to tailor EBM education to the individual learner, this study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between an individual's learning style and EBM competence (knowledge/skills, attitude, behaviour). METHODS: In 2008, we conducted a survey among 140 novice GP trainees in order to assess their EBM competence and learning styles (Accommodator, Diverger, Assimilator, Converger, or mixed learning style). RESULTS: The trainees' EBM knowledge/skills (scale 0-15; mean 6.8; 95%CI 6.4-7.2) were adequate and their attitudes towards EBM (scale 0-100; mean 63; 95%CI 61.3-64.3) were positive. We found no relationship between their knowledge/skills or attitudes and their learning styles (p = 0.21; p = 0.19). Of the trainees, 40% used guidelines to answer clinical questions and 55% agreed that the use of guidelines is the most appropriate way of applying EBM in general practice. Trainees preferred using evidence from summaries to using evidence from single studies. There were no differences in medical decision-making or in EBM use (p = 0.59) for the various learning styles. However, we did find a link between having an Accommodating or Converging learning style and making greater use of intuition. Moreover, trainees with different learning styles expressed different ideas about the optimal use of EBM in primary care. CONCLUSIONS: We found that EBM knowledge/skills and EBM attitudes did not differ with respect to the learning styles of GP trainees. However, we did find differences relating to the use of intuition and the trainees' ideas regarding the use of evidence in decision-making

Sicily statement on classification and development of evidence-based practice learning assessment tools

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Teaching the steps of evidence-based practice (EBP) has become standard curriculum for health professions at both student and professional levels. Determining the best methods for evaluating EBP learning is hampered by a dearth of valid and practical assessment tools and by the absence of guidelines for classifying the purpose of those that exist. Conceived and developed by delegates of the Fifth International Conference of Evidence-Based Health Care Teachers and Developers, the aim of this statement is to provide guidance for purposeful classification and development of tools to assess EBP learning.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This paper identifies key principles for designing EBP learning assessment tools, recommends a common taxonomy for new and existing tools, and presents the Classification Rubric for EBP Assessment Tools in Education (CREATE) framework for classifying such tools. Recommendations are provided for developers of EBP learning assessments and priorities are suggested for the types of assessments that are needed. Examples place existing EBP assessments into the CREATE framework to demonstrate how a common taxonomy might facilitate purposeful development and use of EBP learning assessment tools.</p> <p>Summary</p> <p><it>The widespread adoption of EBP into professional education requires valid and reliable measures of learning. Limited tools exist with established psychometrics. This international consensus statement strives to provide direction for developers of new EBP learning assessment tools and a framework for classifying the purposes of such tools</it>.</p

Evidence-based medicine in general practice specialty training

Aio’s huisartsgeneeskunde hebben adequate kennis ten aanzien van evidence-based medicine (geneeskunde op basis van bewijs). In de huisartspraktijk is evidence-based gedrag vaak niet direct zichtbaar, maar artsen kunnen wel aangeven op welk aspect van evidence-based medicine de voorgeschreven behandelingen zijn gebaseerd. Sandra Zwolsman deed onderzoek naar het gebruik van evidence-based medicine door artsen in opleiding tot specialist huisartsgeneeskunde, de wijze waarop evidence-based medicine getoetst kan worden in de huisartsopleiding, en de factoren die het gebruik ervan in de huisartsenpraktijk belemmeren. Evidence-based medicine is de integratie van het beste bewijsmateriaal, de expertise van de arts en de situatie en voorkeur van de patiënt bij de zorg voor patiënten

Observations of evidence-based medicine in general practice

No objective measures are available for assessing the practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in general practitioner (GP) trainees, as there is no description of the EBM behaviour that is expected from trainees. As a first step to do so, we aimed to identify which expressions of EBM (defined as the integration of evidence, clinical experience and patient situation) can be observed in daily GP practice. Secondly, we aimed to identify which considerations GPs had regarding EBM but did not share with the patient during consultations. We performed a qualitative study, in which GPs were observed during and interviewed after clinical consultations, with a focus on expressions and considerations related to EBM during clinical decision-making. We observed 147 consultations by 34 GPs (17 trainers and 17 trainees). EBM behaviour was rarely visible in GPs' decision-making. When interviewing the GPs, we found that aspects of EBM that played a role in decision-making were not discussed with the patient. Explicit consideration of all aspects of EBM would make EBM measurable and GPs more aware of the foundations of their decisions. EBM behaviour is difficult to observe during GP consultations and therefore cannot be assessed through observations alon

Heterogeneity of cost estimates in health economic evaluation research. A systematic review of stress urinary incontinence studies

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is increased demand for an international overview of cost estimates and insight into the variation affecting these estimates. Understanding of these costs is useful for cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) research into new treatment modalities and for clinical guideline development. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE & other non-indexed materials and Ovid Embase for articles published between 1995 and 2017. The National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS-EED) filter and the McMaster sensitive therapy filter were combined with a bespoke search strategy for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We extracted unit cost estimates, assessed variability and methodology, and determined transferability. RESULTS: We included 37 studies in this review. Four hundred and eighty-two cost estimates from 13 countries worldwide were extracted. Descriptive analysis shows that hospital stay in gynecology ranged between €82 and €1,292 per day. Costs of gynecological consultation range from €30 in France to €158 in Sweden. In the UK, costs are estimated at €228 per hour. Costs of a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) device range from €431 in Finland to €994 in Canada. TVT surgery per minute costs €25 in France and €82 in Sweden. Total costs of TVT range from €1,224 in Ireland to €5,809 for inpatient care in France. Variation was explored. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity was observed in cost estimates for all units at all levels of health care. CEAs of SUI interventions cannot be interpreted without bias when the base of these analyses-namely costs-cannot be compared and generalized

Barriers to GPs' use of evidence-based medicine: a systematic review

Background: GPs report various barriers to the use and practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM). A review of research on these barriers may help solve problems regarding the uptake of evidence in clinical outpatient practice. Aim: To determine the barriers encountered by GPs in the practice of EBM and to come up with solutions to the barriers identified. Design: A systematic review of the literature. Method: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE (TM) (PubMed (TM)), Embase, CINAHL (TM), ERIC, and the Cochrane Library, until February 2011. Primary studies (all methods, all languages) that explore the barriers that GPs encounter in the practice of EBM were included. Results: A total of 14 700 articles were identified, of which 22 fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Of the latter, nine concerned qualitative, 12 concerned quantitative, and one concerned both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The barriers described in the articles cover the categories: evidence (including the accompanying EBM steps), the GP's preferences (experience, expertise, education), and the patient's preferences. The particular GP setting also has important barriers to the use of EBM. Barriers found in this review, among others, include lack of time, EBM skills, and available evidence; patient-related factors; and the attitude of the GP. Conclusion: Various barriers are encountered when using EBM in GP practice. Interventions that help GPs to overcome these barriers are needed, both within EBM education and in clinical practic

Barriers to the use of evidence-based medicine: knowledge and skills, attitude, and external factors

Although efforts are made to integrate evidence-based medicine (EBM) into clinical practice, physicians experience significant barriers to its implementation. The aim of this study is to quantify the barriers that general practice (GP) trainees experience when using EBM in practice. In September 2008, a questionnaire was administered to 140 GP trainees from three Dutch GP Speciality Training Institutes. The questionnaire focused on barriers that GP trainees meet when using EBM in practice. Factor analysis identified components in which barriers exist, and the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were established. After removing four items that did not fit the questionnaire structure, factor analysis identified three relevant components. All three components had similar mean scores, indicating a similar negative influence of these components on the practice of EBM: knowledge/skills (α = 0.72, mean score 2.9 ± 0.8), attitude (α = 0.70, mean score 2.9 ± 0.6), and external factors (α = 0.66, mean score 3.0 ± 0.5). The barrier that trainees experienced most was lack of time to practise EBM. Barriers to the use of EBM were present in three components: knowledge/skills, attitude, and external factor

More active and a healthy lifestyle by using mobile apps?: A systematic review

In dit review wordt een overzicht gegeven van effect van mobiele applicaties en activity trackers op een gezonde leefstijl. 17 artikelen werden geïncludeerd. De effecten van apps op beweeggedrag lijken positief. Het effect van apps op voeding en gewicht was wisselend. Maar er leek een trend te zijn voor verbetering van het voedingspatroon. Er is nog weinig onderzoek gedaan naar effect van activity trackers op leefstijl, maar eerste resultaten laten een positieve invloed zien op beweeggedrag. Voor apps aanbevolen kunnen worden, is verder onderzoek nodig. Hiervoor is grootschalig onderzoek nodig met uitgebalanceerde controlegroepen en lange termijn follow-up testen

Actiever en gezonder door leefstijl-apps?: een systematische review

Doel Overzicht geven van de literatuur over het effect van smartphone-apps en activiteitsmeters op een gezonde leefstijl. Opzet Systematische review. Methode In PubMed, de Cochrane Library, Embase en CINAHL zochten we naar relevante artikelen. Inclusiecriteria waren: (a) de interventie was een mobiele app of activiteitsmeter; (b) die bewegen en gezonde voeding stimuleerde; (c) bij volwassen mensen met een ongezonde leefstijl die nog geen aandoening hadden; (d) gericht op preventieve gezondheidszorg, gezondheidsbevordering of gezond gedrag; en (e) waarin het effect op fysieke activiteit, voeding of gewicht werd gemeten. Resultaten We includeerden 17 onderzoeken, waarvan 13 met apps en 4 met activiteitsmeters. Het effect van de apps op fysieke activiteit bij mensen met overgewicht of obesitas was in 6 onderzoeken positief en in 3 afwezig. Er was een positief effect op voeding dat in 3 onderzoeken significant en in 2 niet-significant was. Het effect op gewicht was in 6 onderzoeken positief en in 5 afwezig. De bewijskracht van de onderzoeken met apps was matig tot laag. Activiteitsmeters leken fysieke activiteit te kunnen verhogen, maar de kwaliteit van deze onderzoeken was laag. De effecten op gewicht waren tegenstrijdig en de effecten op voeding zijn niet onderzocht. Conclusie Apps hebben een globaal positief effect op de fysieke activiteit. Het effect op voeding en gewicht is onduidelijk, maar de trend is dat ze het voedingspatroon verbeteren. Ook activiteitsmeters kunnen de fysieke activiteit verhogen. Om gebruik van apps en activiteitsmeters te kunnen aanbevelen is echter grootschaliger onderzoek nodig, met beter uitgebalanceerde controlegroepen en een langere follow-upduur