Evidence based critical care medicine

OBJECTIVE: To describe the philosophy and approach to patient care called evidence based medicine, and to highlight how it can enhance the practice of intensive care. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, reference lists, and our personal files to identify relevant literature. STUDY SELECTION: Articles on intensive care practice, critical appraisal, clinical research, and healthcare delivery were selected for discussion. DATA SYNTHESIS: We summarize the rationale for evidence based medicine, its applications and future developments, and suggest several methods for intensivists to use evidence based medicine in their practice and teaching. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence based medicine can complement other foundation disciplines in intensive care. This is the first article in a series entitled "Evidence Based Critical Care Medicine" which will demonstrate how this approach can be used at the bedside.