Share thisNew in 2003, Blackwell Publishing has released The Handbook of Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine, written by Peter Cockcroft and Mark Holmes. Both authors are at the University of Cambridge in the Epidemiology and Informatics Unit.
New in 2003, Blackwell Publishing has released The Handbook of Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine, written by Peter Cockcroft and Mark Holmes. Both authors are at the University of Cambridge in the Epidemiology and Informatics Unit. Evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is a strategic method to view a patient, develop a diagnostic plan, acquire and evaluate additional knowledge regarding the disease, and lastly, a resolution for the patient and owner that considers the final outcome of treatment based on success, economics, and emotional input.
A complex topic that many veterinary practitioners have not yet adopted or heard very little of, the authors explain the rationale behind this relatively new method of thinking through veterinary cases using information beyond personal experience, journals, and textbooks. EBVM is not only the usage of outside sources of information such as the Internet, but also how the practitioner must critically evaluate the results using statistical analysis and comparison. With the vast amount of information available on the Internet, the practitioner must learn to search wisely and quickly to optimize positive outcomes
The Handbook of Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine outlines each chapter in detail, provides the objective for that chapter, additional references, website listings, and includes a set of review questions for self-evaluation (with answers). The first chapter introduces the reader to the novel concept of EVBM and why practitioners should employ its techniques in clinical practice. It compares traditional medicine to EBVM using examples of EBVM in practice, the benefits to the patients and the veterinarian himself, and explains the organization of the remainder of the book.
The chapters entitled "Sources of Information and Searching for Information" briefly review the more traditional sources of information, then concentrate their content on veterinary resources found on the Internet. Many of the more recognized websites with their particular attributes are reviewed. Using Pubmed as an example, the authors demonstrate how, using Boolean logic and specific Internet terminology, the vast amount of information can be narrowed and refined to suit a particular patient or case. Not only does this theoretically help the patient, but it also allows the veterinarian to maintain current knowledge on treatments and diseases, promoting life-long learning. Chapter 8, "Clinical Diagnostic Decision Support Systems (CDDSSs)" further introduces the veterinarian to computer assisted problem solving and the methodology behind choosing an appropriate CDDSS. Using a computer program to diagnose and treat patients is a novel concept that many older generation veterinarians will have to accustom themselves. An excellent table listing some of the CDDSSs that has been developed for veterinary science is included in this chapter, as are other examples of on-line searches.
Basic statistics and probability-based clinical decision-making are introduced in several of the chapters regarding the evaluation and interpretation of the evidence, decision analysis, and economic analysis. Determining cost-benefit analysis and creating pay-off tables are more applicable to herd management than the individual small animal, however understanding the fundamental concepts are important for everyone who wishes to practice EBVM. The basic mathematical framework is presented in a concise and clear format so that even those without a mathematical background can follow the examples through straightforward equations, tables, and illustrations.
The Handbook of Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine is an interesting and understandable presentation introducing the relatively novel concept of EBVM. It not only opens the door of the Internet for the general practitioner overwhelmed with information on-line, but also explains techniques of literature review, test interpretation, and probability-based clinical decision making to solve patient problems. This book will benefit veterinarians and their patients alike.
Cockcroft, Peter and Mark A. Holmes. The Handbook of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publishing, 2003.