Evidence-Based Medicine - Syllabus
Evidence-Based Medicine - Syllabus
Completion requirements
**Course Syllabus: Evidence-Based Medicine**
**1. COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Evidence-Based Medicine
* Course Code: MED 531
* Credit Hours: 12
* Prerequisites: Completion of medical school curriculum and licensure to practice medicine
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, MSc
+ Title: Professor of Medicine
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jane.smith@medicalschool.edu)
**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is a crucial aspect of medical practice that ensures the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate and apply clinical evidence in their daily practice. Students will learn to critically assess research studies, identify gaps in current evidence, and develop strategies for staying up-to-date with the latest research findings.
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case-based learning, students will explore various topics related to EBM, including study design, data interpretation, and clinical decision-making. The course is designed for healthcare professionals who want to enhance their knowledge of evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes.
Target Audience:
* Medical residents
* Attending physicians
* Physician assistants
* Nurse practitioners
Relevance to Medical Practice:
* Improves patient safety and outcomes through informed decision-making
* Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills
* Supports lifelong learning and professional development
**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Evaluate the design and methodology of clinical studies (Understand)
2. Identify and interpret key findings from research studies (Apply)
3. Analyze the implications of study results for clinical practice (Analyze)
4. Develop a plan for staying up-to-date with the latest research findings (Evaluate)
5. Apply EBM principles to patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, and management
6. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and therapies
7. Identify gaps in current evidence and propose solutions for addressing these gaps
8. Use digital tools and resources to access and apply clinical evidence
9. Participate in a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes
10. Develop a plan for implementing EBM principles into their practice
**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine (Estimated time: 3 hours)
* Overview of EBM principles and history
* Importance of evidence-based practice in medical decision-making
Week 2-3: Study Design and Research Methods (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Types of study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials, observational studies)
* Research methods (e.g., data interpretation, statistical analysis)
Week 4-5: Data Interpretation and Clinical Decision-Making (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Interpreting study results (e.g., effect sizes, confidence intervals)
* Applying EBM principles to clinical decision-making
Week 6-7: Clinical Decision Support Systems and Digital Tools (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Overview of digital tools for accessing and applying clinical evidence
* Implementing EBM principles into electronic health records
Week 8-9: Critical Appraisal and Evidence-Based Guidelines (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Evaluating the quality of clinical guidelines
* Developing plans for staying up-to-date with the latest research findings
Week 10-11: Case-Based Learning and Group Discussion (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Case-based learning exercises to apply EBM principles in practice
* Group discussion on patient care and EBM implementation
Week 12: Final Project Presentations and Course Wrap-Up (Estimated time: 3 hours)
* Students present their final projects, applying EBM principles to a clinical scenario
* Course wrap-up and evaluation
**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
* Textbooks:
+ "Evidence-Based Medicine: A Guide for Physicians" by J. Michael McIntyre
+ "Clinical Decision Making: The Evidence-Based Approach" by Richard Moulton
* Journal articles:
+ Archives of Internal Medicine
+ American Journal of Medicine
+ British Medical Journal
* Online resources:
+ Cochrane Library
+ PubMed
+ UpToDate
**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
Assessment will be based on a combination of exams, assignments, and participation.
* Exam 1: Mid-term exam (20%): Covers weeks 1-5
* Exam 2: Clinical decision-making assignment (30%): Students apply EBM principles to patient care scenarios
* Final Project: Student presentation (30%): Applies EBM principles to a clinical scenario
* Participation and engagement (20%): Regular attendance, active participation in class discussions
Grading scale:
A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (below 60%)
**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine
* Monday, January 10: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, January 12: Small group presentation
Week 2-3: Study Design and Research Methods
* Monday, January 17: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, January 19: Small group presentation
Week 4-5: Data Interpretation and Clinical Decision-Making
* Monday, January 24: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, January 26: Small group presentation
Week 6-7: Clinical Decision Support Systems and Digital Tools
* Monday, January 31: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, February 2: Small group presentation
Week 8-9: Critical Appraisal and Evidence-Based Guidelines
* Monday, February 7: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, February 9: Small group presentation
Week 10-11: Case-Based Learning and Group Discussion
* Monday, February 14: Case-based learning exercises
* Wednesday, February 16: Group discussion
Week 12: Final Project Presentations and Course Wrap-Up
* Friday, March 17: Student presentations
**8. COURSE POLICIES**
* Attendance policy:
+ Regular attendance is expected.
+ More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
* Academic integrity:
+ Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
+ Penalties for academic misconduct will be severe.
* Late submission policy:
+ Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day.
+ More than one late submission will result in failure of the assignment.
* Accommodations:
+ Students with disabilities or special needs should notify the instructor prior to the course.
By following this syllabus, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based medicine and improve their ability to apply clinical evidence in patient care.
**1. COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Evidence-Based Medicine
* Course Code: MED 531
* Credit Hours: 12
* Prerequisites: Completion of medical school curriculum and licensure to practice medicine
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, MSc
+ Title: Professor of Medicine
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jane.smith@medicalschool.edu)
**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is a crucial aspect of medical practice that ensures the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate and apply clinical evidence in their daily practice. Students will learn to critically assess research studies, identify gaps in current evidence, and develop strategies for staying up-to-date with the latest research findings.
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case-based learning, students will explore various topics related to EBM, including study design, data interpretation, and clinical decision-making. The course is designed for healthcare professionals who want to enhance their knowledge of evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes.
Target Audience:
* Medical residents
* Attending physicians
* Physician assistants
* Nurse practitioners
Relevance to Medical Practice:
* Improves patient safety and outcomes through informed decision-making
* Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills
* Supports lifelong learning and professional development
**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Evaluate the design and methodology of clinical studies (Understand)
2. Identify and interpret key findings from research studies (Apply)
3. Analyze the implications of study results for clinical practice (Analyze)
4. Develop a plan for staying up-to-date with the latest research findings (Evaluate)
5. Apply EBM principles to patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, and management
6. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and therapies
7. Identify gaps in current evidence and propose solutions for addressing these gaps
8. Use digital tools and resources to access and apply clinical evidence
9. Participate in a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes
10. Develop a plan for implementing EBM principles into their practice
**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine (Estimated time: 3 hours)
* Overview of EBM principles and history
* Importance of evidence-based practice in medical decision-making
Week 2-3: Study Design and Research Methods (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Types of study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials, observational studies)
* Research methods (e.g., data interpretation, statistical analysis)
Week 4-5: Data Interpretation and Clinical Decision-Making (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Interpreting study results (e.g., effect sizes, confidence intervals)
* Applying EBM principles to clinical decision-making
Week 6-7: Clinical Decision Support Systems and Digital Tools (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Overview of digital tools for accessing and applying clinical evidence
* Implementing EBM principles into electronic health records
Week 8-9: Critical Appraisal and Evidence-Based Guidelines (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Evaluating the quality of clinical guidelines
* Developing plans for staying up-to-date with the latest research findings
Week 10-11: Case-Based Learning and Group Discussion (Estimated time: 6 hours)
* Case-based learning exercises to apply EBM principles in practice
* Group discussion on patient care and EBM implementation
Week 12: Final Project Presentations and Course Wrap-Up (Estimated time: 3 hours)
* Students present their final projects, applying EBM principles to a clinical scenario
* Course wrap-up and evaluation
**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
* Textbooks:
+ "Evidence-Based Medicine: A Guide for Physicians" by J. Michael McIntyre
+ "Clinical Decision Making: The Evidence-Based Approach" by Richard Moulton
* Journal articles:
+ Archives of Internal Medicine
+ American Journal of Medicine
+ British Medical Journal
* Online resources:
+ Cochrane Library
+ PubMed
+ UpToDate
**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
Assessment will be based on a combination of exams, assignments, and participation.
* Exam 1: Mid-term exam (20%): Covers weeks 1-5
* Exam 2: Clinical decision-making assignment (30%): Students apply EBM principles to patient care scenarios
* Final Project: Student presentation (30%): Applies EBM principles to a clinical scenario
* Participation and engagement (20%): Regular attendance, active participation in class discussions
Grading scale:
A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (below 60%)
**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine
* Monday, January 10: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, January 12: Small group presentation
Week 2-3: Study Design and Research Methods
* Monday, January 17: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, January 19: Small group presentation
Week 4-5: Data Interpretation and Clinical Decision-Making
* Monday, January 24: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, January 26: Small group presentation
Week 6-7: Clinical Decision Support Systems and Digital Tools
* Monday, January 31: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, February 2: Small group presentation
Week 8-9: Critical Appraisal and Evidence-Based Guidelines
* Monday, February 7: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, February 9: Small group presentation
Week 10-11: Case-Based Learning and Group Discussion
* Monday, February 14: Case-based learning exercises
* Wednesday, February 16: Group discussion
Week 12: Final Project Presentations and Course Wrap-Up
* Friday, March 17: Student presentations
**8. COURSE POLICIES**
* Attendance policy:
+ Regular attendance is expected.
+ More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
* Academic integrity:
+ Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
+ Penalties for academic misconduct will be severe.
* Late submission policy:
+ Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day.
+ More than one late submission will result in failure of the assignment.
* Accommodations:
+ Students with disabilities or special needs should notify the instructor prior to the course.
By following this syllabus, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based medicine and improve their ability to apply clinical evidence in patient care.
Last modified: Sunday, 9 November 2025, 5:46 PM