Evidence-Based Medicine Attitudes among Residents at Jordan University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a term that has acquired different definitions in different settings and is considered as an ambiguous concept. However, it represents an empiricist mode of thinking in medicine. EBM is a patient-centered approach in medicine and bases clinical knowledge on evidence as well as having a huge impact on clinical practice during the past few decades.Aim: The study aimed to evaluate medical resident trainees’ attitude, knowledge, and practice of EBM and encountered barriers in clinical settings to determine the relationship between trainees at different levels and departments and implications on patient care.Methods: A cross sectional survey conducted between June 2022 till December 2022, utilizing face-to-face and online questionnaire. Our questionnaire consisted of 37 questions which include characteristics of the sample in addition to attitudes related to EBM and perceptions of barriers related to it. Inclusion criteria were residents working at Jordan University Hospital with a total of 175 residents who agreed to participate in this study, and exclusion criteria were other medical assistant members and fellows.Results: A survey was distributed to 175 residents, who completed it and provided information on their sociodemographic. Approximately 72.6 percent of the participants were females (n = 127), and the median age was 27 years and an interquartile range of 2 years. The majority of participants (n = 171, 97.7%) stated that they had heard the term "evidence-based medicine" before. When asked about the residents' knowledge of various research-related terms, their answers showed a positive trend, with the majority indicating that they had some understanding of the term. The remaining findings are covered below.Conclusion: Despite having received no formal training in this area during their years of training, JUH residents demonstrated positive views regarding EBM, supporting it, and believing in its conclusions. They also generally had good terminology knowledge. More than 85% utilize medical websites, more than 50% have papers published, and more than 50% endorse EBM.