Finding Evidence - Recognising Hype

Learning Objectives

When you complete all sections of the program you should be able to:

• formulate focused questions on clinical queries you have about medicines
• list at least 5 sources of independent information about medicines, including sources of safety information
• implement at least one email alert service or web feed service from a credible provider of independent information about medicines
• feel more confident to independently search for evidence about medicines
• describe the greater uncertainties about safety that exist for new medicines
• describe the shortcomings of surrogate efficacy data with new medicines
• demonstrate an improved ability to rapidly interpret the results of randomised controlled trials
• demonstrate an improved ability to express and present information to patients on risks and benefits of therapeutic options, which may include a new medicine
• identify good quality consumer information about new medicines including tools and
• feel more confident responding to patients’ questions about new medicines
• name three ways that promotion can fall short as an information source
• feel more confident in making a deliberate choice about your exposure to promotion
• implement a systematic approach to dealing with information you receive about new medicines using a list of questions.