[Evidence-based radiology: a new approach to evaluate the clinical practice of radiology]

Rofo. 2006 Jul;178(7):671-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-926711.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Over the last several years, the concept and methodology of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) have received significant attention in the scientific community. However, compared to therapeutic medical disciplines, EBM-based radiological publications are still underrepresented. This article summarizes the principles of EBM and discusses the possibilities of their application in radiology. The presented topics include the critical appraisal of studies on the basis on EBM principles, the explanation of EBM-relevant statistical outcome parameters (e. g., "likelihood ratio" for diagnostic and "number needed to treat" for interventional procedures), as well as the problems facing evidence-based radiology. Evidence-based evaluation of radiological procedures does not only address aspects of cost-effectiveness, but is also particularly helpful in identifying patient-specific usefulness. Therefore it should become an integral part of radiologist training.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / trends
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / trends*
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / trends*
  • Radiology / methods*
  • Radiology / trends*