Background: Piaui is poorest state of the poorest region of Brazil (the Northern), where there is still a high mortality by preventable diseases. However, cardiovascular disorders (36,8%) and cancer (10,5%) are the leading causes of death. This paper intends to describe our experience with the introduction of Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) and health management in Piaui.

Methods: We first organized a EBM study group, with the aim of introducing EBM into individual clinical practice, always discussing the eventual implications of the diffusion of that concepts to public and private health management. After, we organized chonic diseases-oriented programs of health care, based on generalist medical approach, participation of nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionist and intensive education of patients and participating professionals for preventive measures for known complications. And so, we have founded an association of patients (APOIO) that is managed by a diabetic patient and, among other activities, provides an EBM-oriented philanthropic health plan.

Results: The degree satisfaction of participants is high, patients and professionals, measured as adherence and questionnaires. We still do not have data comparing this approach to traditional ones, nor data comparing incidence or severity of complications of chronic diseases.

Conclusions: We presented an example showing that it is possible, when we maintain a highly united and dedicated team, to translate EBM knowledge more that into individual clinical decisions, into health management practices.