Evidence-based medicine is becoming an increasingly important topic for primary care physicians. This book is therefore timely in its publication. Its contents are presented as a syllabus for a seven session course (with tutor notes) illustrating the integration of clinical expertise and knowledge of individual patients with a critical appraisal of clinical evidence from systematic research. The first five chapters are divided into two parts: the first part uses a general practice scenario to pose a clinical question. A search strategy for finding evidence to answer the question is suggested and the results given. The second part of each chapter provides evidence (relevant papers printed in full) followed by a blank worksheet for critical appraisal of validity and potential clinical usefulness. A completed worksheet with the authors' comments and a summary completes each chapter. The concluding two chapters facilitate learners in presentation of their own clinical cases and planning future activities related to evidence-based learning. A useful appendix contains a glossary of terms encountered in clinical articles in evidence-based medical journals and a review of study designs. References toEvidence-Based Medicine: how to practice and teach EBM by Sackett are frequent in the book and relevant sections of this text are included.

This book is an excellent introduction to evidence-based medicine in primary care. It encourages group learning and although not so well suited to the needs of isolated learners, it will be very useful for teachers, researchers, and clinicians working in a primary care setting.