Module 4 - Evidence-Based Practice

Research material

Format for the day:

The initial presentation sets the scene and examines the development of the evidence-based approach. The second presentation covers the principles of clinical trials and systematic reviews and explains some basic statistical methods and terminology.

There are 2 practical exercises on critical reading involving groupwork on papers that have been sent to participants in advance of the course. Guidance sheets accompany the papers to help the reader identify key points in the papers.

Methods of data gathering are then examined, usually with input from the PG Centre librarian, by means of a practical online exercise searching Medline and other medical research databases.

Maximum participants: 20

Aims and Objectives:

1. To appreciate how the concept of evidence-based dentistry has evolved, with particular reference to periodontics.

2. To learn how to evaluate the quality of published evidence.

3. To understand the essential role of clinical trials and systematic reviews in dental research.

4. To understand basic statistical methodology.

5. To learn how to use the library and Internet for data searching.

The course should enable participants to:

1. Recognise the difference between objectivity and subjectivity in dental research papers.

2. Distinguish between good research and bad research in the dental literature.

3. Identify methodological faults in dental research.

4. Search databases (hard copy and electronic) with confidence.

5. Apply an evidence-based approach to daily practice.

6. To evaluate manufacturer's claims with regard to periodontal products.

Outline Programme:

09.00	Registration
09.30	Welcome and Introductions
09.40	Evidence vs Anecdote: the Basis for Evidence-Based Periodontology
10.00	Critical Reading 1 (Groupwork based on pre-course reading)
10.30	Coffee
10.45	Discussion 1
11.15	Trials, Reviews & Stats - making sense of it all
12.00	Critical Reading 2 (Groupwork based on pre-course reading)
12.30	Discussion 2
13.00	Lunch
14.00	Using the Library as a Data Resource (?Librarian)
14.30	Searching for data on the Internet (Practical Exercises)
15.00	Tea
15.15	Practical (continued)
16.00	Discussion - what next?
16.30	Close