The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Evidence-Based Medicine Committee: Background, Resources, and Charges

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the practice of formulating best care plans for patients based on the systematic analysis of that evidence in the scientific literature that meets predetermined levels of quality. Many tools have been developed to determine what data are appropriate for inclusion in such meta-analyses, as well as how to pull out of such review meaningful guidance for practice (clinical guidelines). Externally developed guidelines and assessments already influence the practicing surgeon; the pay-for-performance criteria represent one example of guidelines that ideally are formulated by those within the specialty affected by contribution of the most meaningful and persuasive evidence. This makes an EBM committee a vital part of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS).