Using the Medical Literature: A Simplified Approach

This program is for physicians and other health care professionals who read medical literature. The program is designed to assist the participant in accessing medical literature and evaluating the quality of published journal articles. The participant will learn simplified methods for critical appraisal - without sacrificing rigor!

Topics include:

Uses of the medical literature.
Problems and pitfalls of the medical literature and research.
Introduction to evidence-based medicine.
Critical appraisal - simplified steps and efficiencies.
Anatomy of an article - tips for reading.
About study methodologies: Problems with case series and RCT's versus observational studies.
Issues in critical appraisal - case studies.
A simplified approach to evaluating studies for validity.
How big is the difference: understanding estimates of effect.
Evaluating benefit.
Evidence evaluation tools.
Participant exercises in critical appraisal.
Case-based illustrations in critical appraisal.
Introduction to evidence-based resources.
Tips for easily searching the medical literature (primary and secondary sources).
Introduction to systematic review evaluation.
Evaluation tools for guidelines and clinical improvement content.
Participant exercise calculating outcomes.
Number-needed-to-treat exercise.
Participant exercise evaluating a study.

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for Physicians.

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This course was created in conjunction with Delfini Group, LLC, a company that offers evidence-based seminars, training, and tools.

Registration form for this course (in PDF format).
Brochure for Using the Medical Literature: A Simplified Approach (in PDF format) for viewing or printing.

Note: please review the cancellation policy for this course.

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