Evidence-based medicine.

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is advocated by its protagonists as prototypical of, and therefore normative for, 'best professional practice', a position which has precipitated visceral anti-EBM sentiments within the international medical press. This article examines the nomenclature, claims, principles and practice of EBM, the matters of authority and competence in defining evidence for practice and how selective utilization of EBM findings will be employed by health service managers in an attempt to manage clinical decision making and ration the medical care of patients and populations.