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Original

Evidence-based medicine teaching in UK medical schools

Pages 332-337 | Published online: 03 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Background: It is recognized that clinicians need training in evidence-based medicine (EBM), however there is considerable variation in the content and methods of the EBM curriculum in UK medical schools.

Aims: To determine current practice and variation in EBM undergraduate teaching in UK medical schools and inform the strategy of medical schools and the National Knowledge Service.

Methods: We contacted all 32 medical schools in the UK and requested that the person primarily responsible for EBM undergraduate teaching complete a short online survey and provide their EBM curriculum.

Results: The survey was completed by representatives from 20 (63%) medical schools and curriculum details were received from 5 (16%). There is considerable variation in the methods and content of the EBM curriculum. Although the majority of schools teach core EBM topics, relatively few allow students to practice the skills or assess such skills. EBM teaching is restricted by lack of curriculum time, trained tutors and teaching materials.

Conclusions: Key elements to progress include the integration of EBM with clinical specialties, tutor training and the availability of high-quality teaching resources. The development of a national undergraduate EBM curriculum may help in promoting progress in EBM teaching and assessment in UK medical schools.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emma Meats

EMMA MEATS is a Research Assistant in the Department of Primary Health Care and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford.

Carl Heneghan

CARL HENEGHAN is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow in the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford and Deputy Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Mike Crilly

MIKE CRILLY is Senior Lecturer in Clinical Epidemiology within the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at Aberdeen University Medical School and Honorary Consultant Physician in Public Health Medicine, NHS Grampian.

Paul Glasziou

PAUL GLASZIOU is Professor of Evidence-Based Medicine in the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford, he is Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Editor of the Evidence-Based Medicine Journal.

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