Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Family Planning is one of the programs of the Philippine Department of Health, yet a lack of new information and some misinformation pose as barriers to popular acceptance and use of modern methods.
Objective: To provide new and correct information about modern methods of family planning using EBM techniques.
Main outcome measures: A series of Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) on selected Family Planning issues common in the Philippines was prepared by physicians trained in EBM.
Results: Two training programs on EBM (Research Question Formulation, Searching the Medical Literature, Critical Appraisal, CAT Writing) were conducted with 60 participants. Several topics on the common perceived effects of hormonal contraceptives, surgical sterilization, modern natural family planning, intra-uterine contraceptive device and barrier methods were studied. The best article following the hierarchy of evidence was chosen as the basis for the prepared CAT. In a period of two and a half years, about 40 CATs have been prepared, published, and distributed. In the information kit was an introduction to EBM, especially prepared for the large number of potential users who are not familiar with the method. A lay version of each of the CATs was also prepared for the general public.
Conclusion: EBM was used as the strategy to provide critical updates and to correct misconceptions about contraceptive methods. The evidence based material was to be used in the advocacy, information and education for Family Planning use. These CATs on FP were also used as material for manuals and clinical practice guidelines. The use of EBM by these trained individuals to prepare CATs was to ensure that the knowledge and skills to answer clinical questions on FP (and other reproductive health issues) would be used in a sustained manner.
Objective: To provide new and correct information about modern methods of family planning using EBM techniques.
Main outcome measures: A series of Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) on selected Family Planning issues common in the Philippines was prepared by physicians trained in EBM.
Results: Two training programs on EBM (Research Question Formulation, Searching the Medical Literature, Critical Appraisal, CAT Writing) were conducted with 60 participants. Several topics on the common perceived effects of hormonal contraceptives, surgical sterilization, modern natural family planning, intra-uterine contraceptive device and barrier methods were studied. The best article following the hierarchy of evidence was chosen as the basis for the prepared CAT. In a period of two and a half years, about 40 CATs have been prepared, published, and distributed. In the information kit was an introduction to EBM, especially prepared for the large number of potential users who are not familiar with the method. A lay version of each of the CATs was also prepared for the general public.
Conclusion: EBM was used as the strategy to provide critical updates and to correct misconceptions about contraceptive methods. The evidence based material was to be used in the advocacy, information and education for Family Planning use. These CATs on FP were also used as material for manuals and clinical practice guidelines. The use of EBM by these trained individuals to prepare CATs was to ensure that the knowledge and skills to answer clinical questions on FP (and other reproductive health issues) would be used in a sustained manner.