An evidence-based medicine methodology to bridge the gap between clinical and environmental health sciences

Abstract

Physicians and other clinicians could help educate patients about hazardous environmental exposures, especially to substances that could affect their reproductive health. But the relevant scientific evidence is voluminous, of variable quality, and largely unfamiliar to health professionals caring for people of childbearing age. To bridge this gap between clinical and environmental health, we created a methodology to help evaluate the quality of evidence and to support evidence-based decision making by clinicians and patients. The methodology can also support professional societies, health care organizations, government agencies, and others in developing prevention-oriented guidelines for use in clinical and policy settings. © 2011 Project HOPE-The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.