Table 1 Overview of the clinically integrated e-learning course compared to lecture based course in evidence-based medicine (EBM)

Target participants: Health professionals in a clinical setting.

Learning objectives:

Upon the completion of the course, participants should be competently able to:

   generate structured questions arising from clinical problems in practice

   search relevant literature, identifying systematic reviews wherever possible

   assess the quality (validity) of systematic reviews and primary research included within them

   assess the applicability of research findings in clinical practice

   effectively implement the output from above activities into clinical practice

E-learning modules:

Five models provide learning materials at http://www.ebm-unity.org

   Module 1: Asking clinical questions

   Module 2: Searching the evidence

   Module 3: Critical appraisal of systematic reviews (and their constituent studies)

   Module 4: Applicability of the evidence to the patient

   Module 5: Implementation of evidence into practice

Assessment:

Multiple choice questions to test knowledge and questionnaire to test attitudes

Clinically integrated e-learning course

Lecture based course

Knowledge needs identification in the clinical setting

Traditional lecture-based course using the power point slides from the e-learning modules

Participants to pursue independent study by using the e-learning modules

Lectures presented during 2–4 sessions

Interaction with facilitator throughout the course

Interaction with the tutor only during lecture