Evidence-based radiology.

Abstract

The role of evidence-based medicine, defined as the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values, is becoming increasingly important in health care. Evidence-based practice has 5 basic steps that can be applied to any clinical discipline: (1) formulate an answerable question, (2) find the best current evidence, (3) appraise critically, (4) apply findings to practice, and (5) evaluate performance. Evidence-based radiology (EBR) is a relatively new approach to the practice of radiology based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. Through EBR, radiologists can regularly update their knowledge, deepen their understanding of research methodologies, and use research data in clinical settings more effectively; for patients, EBR ensures that they receive the best current care. Evidence-based radiology can be used to decrease the variability in radiology practice and thus avoid the unnecessary waste of resources.