AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE AMONG PHYSICIANS IN TAIF, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a new term that is important for improving clinical skills and practice medicine. Local and international studies showed that there is high awareness of evidence-based medicine but lack in practice due to variable barriers. Thus, this study aims to determine the awareness, practice and barriers of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) among physicians in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross sectional study using a modified questionnaire that was distributed to 200 physicians from 2017-2018. This study took place in Taif university and hospitals in Taif city. Results: It showed that participants tend to agree in application of EBM and practicing EBM it improves the quality of patient care. The frequency of practicing and using the EBM, were 64% from participants were practiced the EBM in their days. Also, the current study showed that 52.8% participants have no time to practice EBM during their day. Conclusion: The physicians showed acceptable level of knowledge and attitude on EBM. There is lack of practice due to inadequacy of time and unavailability of access to internet in their working place. Keywords: Evidence based medicine; Physician; Saudi Arabia