Traditionally, medical decisions have been largely based on personal experiences and/or those of others and rarely has time been taken to look for supporting data in the medical literature. As health care resources become more limited (at least in comparison to the demand), they will have to be used as effectively and efficiently as possible. A new paradigm for decision making will have to be developed, employing the best available medical literature. Evidence-based medicine, incorporating the systematic review whenever possible, requires identification of the best data and incorporation of this data into a knowledge base, thereby providing care that will be better for patients.
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