Care for children and evidence-based medicine

Abstract

Child healthcare sits between two worlds: in the past, with a focus on the prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic disease and the current more expansive view of child health and our role in child health promotion. As a result, disagreements concerning the evidence basis for our work have also arisen. Clinicians may stay on track by considering multiple sources of evidence in making clinical decisions. In doing so, it helps to consider each activity from the perspective of the child, family, and community. Screening and intervention may look for existing problems, for risk and resilience factors, and for opportunities to optimize each child's developmental potential. Integration of these various concerns underlies the art of modern practice, provides the assistance that families want, and leads to continued professional satisfaction.