Epidemiological research and evidence based medicine: How do they fit and for whom

Evidence based medicine involves using the best current information to inform patient care. In veterinary medicine, evidence based veterinary medicine (EBVM) has been discussed for about 15 years. Epidemiology and EBVM are closely linked and epidemiologists can provide crucial support for the practice of EBVM. The secondary literature which summarizes important research into more accessible and applied work could benefit from additional involvement by epidemiologists. Epidemiologists have a broad range of stakeholders for their work and should consider who the specific audience is and what the important endpoints are for that audience. More work on reporting guidelines for observational studies and on issues relating to external validity are needed to facilitate EBVM. Epidemiologists should consider teaching veterinary, graduate and post-graduate students how to perform EBVM. Getting credit for efforts which support EBVM can be difficult but creative presentation of work, publications and grants relating to EBVM should help. Quite a few veterinary journals are actively soliciting manuscripts relating to EBVM.