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.