The practice of evidence-based psychiatry today

Abstract

Research that should change clinical practice is often ignored for years. Fifty-five new trials are reported in medicine every day. Psychiatrists need to have some way to sift, digest and act on new research to benefit their patients. This article outlines the key elements of evidence-based psychiatry in an attempt to address these needs. Initially, an evidence-based approach is about asking an answerable question, searching for the evidence and then critically appraising the available information for its validity and relevance. The fourth step involves integrating the evidence with clinical expertise and the patient's values. The whole idea is to improve real-life patient care. This article outlines a number of the tools needed to overcome some of the common problems that psychiatrists face when trying to find and use published research results to help solve patients' problems.