The EBM library signposts some essential reading for the practice of Evidence-Based Medicine. In this part of the library, we highlight papers that reflect the role of systematic reviews in policymaking. Kamal R. Mahtani One of the purposes of conducting systematic reviews is to provide accessible evidence to inform clinical decisions. In healthcare, they […]
These notes are for anyone considering posting a blog on BMJ EBM Spotlight, but especially for those with little or no previous experience of writing blogs. Carl Heneghan, Jeff Aronson Keep it simple Tackle only one problem or issue. Tell the reader why it is interesting and important. If it doesn’t interest YOU, write […]
40 years after its discovery, a re-analysis of the two largest trials to date, controversially suggests PSA screening may actually be beneficial. Jack O’Sullivan Most healthcare organisations do not recommend PSA screening for prostate cancer (USPSTF, Public Health England), mainly in response to conflicting evidence about the benefits and clear evidence of harms. PSA […]
The Better Evidence for Better Healthcare Manifesto (EBM manifesto) has been launched in order to improve the implementation of evidence-based interventions by pulling together a clear set of achievable goals and a strong overview of the strategies that work best, to help deliver change better and faster. In some areas, such as the treatment of illicit […]
On the longest (and probably hottest) day of 2017, Evidence Live kicked off at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Professor Carl Heneghan, new Editor-in-Chief of BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM), opened the conference with the EBM manifesto which recognizes problems in research evidence and proposes actions needed to tackle these problems. This is my summary […]
CEBM deputy director Kamal R. Mahtani writes on the value of mentoring. There are times in our careers when we are not sure what to do next, whoever we are. We may lack experience or the confidence to decide what to do; or we may have made a decision and need a word of advice from someone […]
The global spend on biomedical research and development is about $250 billion, so why is so much of it still wasted, asks Kamal R. Mahtani. The global spend on biomedical research and development is estimated to be about $250 billion (£203 bn; €233 bn) each year—a not insignificant figure. In fact, it roughly equates to the amount that the UK […]
We are changing the way the journal looks, feels, and operates. In order to do this well, we would very much like your help in delivering relevant, trustworthy, and impactful evidence-based content to as wide a range of frontline health professionals as possible. We are planning to publish original evidence-based research, insights and opinions on […]
The intraseason waning of influenza vaccine protection: Evidence from the US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network, 2011-12 through 2014-15. Geoffrey Modest The US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network compiled data on adults and children seeking outpatient care for acute respiratory illnesses at five different locations scattered through the US after influenza was confirmed in those communities. Eligible patients had […]
by Dr Geoffrey Modest Two articles just came out finding that coffee drinkers had decreased all-cause mortality. One study was from 10 European countries (see doi:10.7326/M16-2945). Details: 521,333 people enrolled in EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) from 10 European countries, followed 16.4 years. 41,693 deaths occurred (18,003 were from cancer, 9106 were from […]