Evidence-based medicine unit of the Botucatu Medical School (FMB), UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, Brazil

Article type
Authors
El Dib R1, Jorge E2, Nascimento P2, Yoo H2, Rudge M2, Schellini S2, Barretti P2, Cataneo A2, Volpato E2, Betini M2
1UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, Brazil and; McMaster Institute of Urology, McMaster University, Canada
2UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, Brazil
Abstract
Background: One of the aims of the Botucatu Medical School (FMB) is to introduce the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) to clinicians, physician residents, graduate and postgraduate medical students, and health professionals. The new model allows the production of systematic reviews, meta-analyses and other types of studies.

Objectives: We present the development of an Evidence-Based Medicine Unit (EBMU) and its new model that integrates the experience of the clinical professionals with the epidemiological expertise of Prof. Dr. Regina El Dib.

Methods: An Evidence-Based Medicine unit was established consisting of a scientist in EBM (RED) trained at McMaster University and worked in the Brazilian Cochrane Centre, two surgeons (SAS, AC), two information retrieval specialists (EV and MB), three clinical physicians (MVR, PB, HHBY), and two researchers of excellence (ECJ and PN). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are conducted according to the principles of the Cochrane Collaboration. Furthermore, methodological studies such as meta-analysis of case series studies are performed dealing with the problem of lack of clinical trials.

Results: Twenty-seven projects (systematic reviews, proportional meta-analysis of case series studies, clinical trials, case-control and cross-sectional studies) are currently underway. From these total, there are 15 ongoing systematic reviews registered in the Cochrane Groups and further 4 are prognosis reviews registered in the PROSPERO database. Other seven completed systematic reviews were done and one of them paved the way for the successful design and conduct of a pragmatic trial. This trial and review were funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The other three reviews were also funded by CNPq and by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). Three clinical trials have been designed according to the reviews protocol.

Conclusions: An EBMU increased the production of higher-quality primary studies to help patients make healthcare decisions.