Introducing Evidence-Based Medicine Into Undergraduate Medical Curricula: Results of a Nationwide Survey in Japan / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

We conducted a nationwide survey in 2000 regarding undergraduate medical education in Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) in Japan. We asked faculty members responsible for medical education at each medical school 1) whether there are any barriers to teaching EBM, 2) what these barriers are, and 3) what educational resources are needed to overcome them. Responses were received from 64 schools (80%). More than half of the respondents reported barriers to teaching EBM. We identified two kinds of barriers before EBM is introduced, skepticism toward the concept of EBM and the value of teaching EBM is encountered; later, problems of organizing a curriculum and shortages of staff and materials are encountered. To overcome these barriers, we need 1) to establish organizations for coordinating educational programs among medical schools, 2) to hold seminars for faculty development, 3) to develop EBM curricula and teaching materials, and 4) to provide computer facilities and appropriate networks.