Using evidence to make decisions.

Abstract

Physicians sometimes question whether evidence-based medicine "is worth it." They rightfully feel they have been doing a pretty good job right along. This does indeed seem to be the case. Yet the world of medicine is changing rapidly--perhaps too rapidly for our previous habits to suffice. Resources are increasingly restricted even while technology grows explosively--the time, money, and availability of tests and treatments are no longer infinite. If we are to fight for the best decisions for our patients, we must be prepared to support our decisions with more than just opinions and anecdotes. The importance of medical ethics, common sense, and spirituality will not diminish for all this; indeed it may be enhanced as growing consensus on the evidence allows us to focus on the "non-evidence" aspects of our practices. The authors of this special issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal hope that the concepts we have discussed will convince you to learn more about the important discipline of evidence-based medicine. It is an exciting paradigm for medicine in the coming millennium.