Psychiatrists' views of evidence-based psychiatric practice

Abstract

Aims and methodTo determine the attitudes of psychiatrists towards the practice of evidence-based medicine by use of a postal questionnaire. A survey was sent to Consultant Psychiatrists and to Higher Trainees in Psychiatry in the West of Scotland Region.ResultsWhile older influences on decision-making such as tradition and deference still play a part, almost all respondents consider the adoption of more effective care based on best available external evidence desirable; most think it attainable. The technology is generally available, but further training is desired to access the information and its critical analysis.Clinical implicationsEducational activities should increasingly focus on skills for data search and critical analysis.