Evidence-based medicine
Read the topic background here, then explore the labeled visual and structured learning explanations on this page.
Read explanation on this page ↓ See diagram ↓Evidence-based medicine — on-site reading
An introductory overview for this topic. The article introduction is reproduced here, so you do not need to leave MedAtlas to read it. It may not match the latest official medical guidance.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM), sometimes known within healthcare as evidence-based practice (EBP), is "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research." The aim of EBM is to integrate the experience of the clinician, the values of the patient, and the best available scientific information to guide decision-making about clinical management. The term was originally used to describe an approach to teaching the practice of medicine and improving decisions by individual physicians about individual patients.
The EBM Pyramid is a tool that helps in visualizing the hierarchy of evidence in medicine, from least authoritative, like expert opinions, to most authoritative, like systematic reviews.
Adoption of evidence-based medicine is necessary in a human rights-based approach to public health and a precondition for accessing the right to health.
How this connects to Clinical Skills and Internship
To study this topic responsibly, identify its normal structure or function, distinguish the main mechanism from its observable consequences, and ask which data can test a competing explanation. The subject foundations below outline these connections without pretending to be a specialist textbook chapter.
Text credit: Wikipedia contributors, “Evidence-based medicine”, original article · authors & revision history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified opening extract, accessed 24 September 2026. This Wikipedia-derived section is provided under CC BY-SA 4.0; the independent MedAtlas notes and design are separate works.
Evidence-based medicine · visual study map
Scalable vector illustration. Labeled conceptual map, not a precise anatomical, histological or diagnostic image.The wording in this learning map is adapted from the attributed Wikipedia background section below (CC BY-SA 4.0).
What the underlying subject studies
Clinical skills turn foundational knowledge into safe communication, examination, documentation and team practice. Informed consent, hygiene, accurate identification and confidentiality are part of every encounter.
How mechanisms and evidence connect
History and examination guide tests and referrals rather than the reverse. Care transitions require clear records, medication reconciliation and a plan for review when appropriate.
How to develop a sound explanation
Practice under supervision using locally approved curricula, simulation and feedback. Reading a diagram or text alone cannot establish procedural competence or clinical authorization.
References and verification (optional)
All reading material on this page appears above. The links below are for checking the primary syllabus, research or source attribution, not requirements for opening this lesson.
NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗