Knowledge, skills and attitude of evidence-based medicine among obstetrics and gynaecology trainees: a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVES To determine current evidence-based medicine skills and practice among trainees. DESIGN Questionnaire study. SETTING Electronic survey was sent to all obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in East Midlands South Deanery, and responses collected were anonymous. PARTICIPANTS All obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in East Midland South Deanery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported attitude, skills and knowledge in various components of evidence-based medicine. RESULTS 69 trainees were included in the study of which 35 responded. Among all respondents, almost 72% of trainees use non-evidence-based methods to find answers for their clinical questions, whereas only 18% use appropriate evidence-based medicine practice for such queries. Just 35% of trainees have minimum skills of literature searching. Most of the trainees struggle to understand various components of evidence-based medicine. Nearly 80% of trainees do not have formal education or training with regard to evidence-based medicine. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the inadequacy of evidence-based medicine skills among trainees and urges that evidence-based medicine be incorporated in formal training along with specialty study modules.