The veterinary nurse's role in evidence-based medicine
The term evidence-based medicine is something that as veterinary nurses and technicians we see and hear in the veterinary media and in the work place more and more frequently, but how does it really effect what we do in our roles in veterinary practice. Evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is the use of clinical methods and decision making that have been thoroughly tested by properly controlled, peer-reviewed veterinary research. Evidence-based veterinary medicine is the use of best relevant evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise to make the best possible decision about a veterinary patient. The circumstances of each patient, and the circumstances and values of the owner/carer, must also be considered when making an evidence-based decision (Straus et al, 2005).