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. 2009 Jan;123(1):389-398.
doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181934742.

Evidence-based medicine: the fourth revolution in American medicine?

Kevin C Chung  1 , Ashwin N Ram
Affiliations

Evidence-based medicine: the fourth revolution in American medicine?

Kevin C Chung et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

The use of evidence has become a force in American medicine to improve the quality of health care. Funding decisions from payers will demand studies with high-level evidence to support many of the costly interventions in medicine. Plastic surgery is certainly not immune to this national tidal wave to revamp the health care system by embracing evidence-based medicine in our practices. In scientific contributions of plastic surgery research, application of evidence-based principles should enhance the care of all patients by relying on science rather than opinions. In this article, the genesis of evidence-based medicine is discussed to guide plastic surgery in this new revolution in American medicine.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
National Guideline Clearinghouse Stratification of Evidence. The rating schemes for the strength of clinical evidence compiled by the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CONSORT flow chart. The flow chart shows the passage of patients through a randomized clinical trial. The image presents information from four stages of a trial (enrollment, allocation, follow-up, and analysis). Source: http://www.consort-statement.org/index.aspx?o=1077
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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