Evidence-based medicine and stroke

The practice of evidence-based medicine requires the interpretation and use of best evidence from a variety of potential sources as it may apply to an individual patient. There are three critical steps in the practice of evid ence-based medicine. First, high quality data from randomized controlled tr ials, cohort studies, epidemiological research and other sources must be ob tained. These results must then be effectively disseminated to health care providers. Finally, medical professionals must implement appropriate change s in their practices. However, available data suggest that there is a gap b etween physicians' existing stroke prevention and treatment practices and t hose supported by the results of clinical trials and other studies. New str ategies such as the use of computerized decision support systems are being developed, but their impact on process of care, costs, and patient outcomes must be rigorously evaluated.