Clinical applications and update on evidence-based medicine

Despite an agreement on the definition of evidence-based medicine (EBM), there remains considerable debate around what constitutes an evidence-based care. In the current review, we discuss the clinical application of EBM including challenges in retrieving relevant medical information, critically reviewing the data and applying it to the patient. Also discussed are the techniques and issues surrounding patient- physician communication. Among the current updates in EBM we highlight the '5S' model of retrieving best evidence, use of hand held devices for point of care information and describe future directions and use of computer based decision support, ehealth, electronic medical records and evidence based management to improve quality of health care. Several methods are described to enhance risk communication and evidence-based practice.