Synopsis

All the key principles of medical decision-making-in one compact, case-based guide

"The book provides a comprehensive overview of many core principles in research design and analysis. It is logically organized, with clear learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter and pertinent examples to illustrate key concepts. The author does a wonderful job of simplifying a subject that has caused much confusion for many medical students and physicians....This is a book that I would enthusiastically recommend to other medical students. 5 Stars!"—Doody's Review Service

Rational Medical Decision Making: A Case-Based Approach is a hands-on text that clarifies the process of evidence-based medical decision making like no other source.

Following the trusted LANGE format, this portable volume is ideal for learning the fundamentals of evidence-based medical practice and skills. Whether you are a student, resident, or a clinician, here is where you'll find all the right tools-including case studies, learning objectives, and self-assessment exercises-to take your decision making skills to the next level.

Features

• Full-spectrum coverage, from basic statistics, medical literature interpretation, and statistics and data application, to different types of research methodologies
• Case-based orientation in each chapter, featuring cases designed to highlight the important principles discussed in that chapter
• Focus on learning critical evidence-based medicine concepts, such as Positive Predictive Values, Number-Needed-to-Treat Statistics, Pre Test Probability, Sensitivity and Specificity, and more
• Engaging discussion of research methods in the context of diagnosis- and therapeutics-centered studies
• An overview of the construction and evidentiary basis of Clinical Practice Guidelines, with a look at their definition, purpose, and use in aiding patient care decisions
• “Anatomy of a Research Article” chapter that goes beyond the interpretation of medical literature to describe the process through which articles are published

Reviewer: Shaival S Shah, BS, BA(University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
Description: This comprehensive, case-based guide succinctly provides clear explanations of essential concepts involved in conducting and interpreting quantitative research.
Purpose: "The book provides a comprehensive overview of many core principles in research design and analysis. It is logically organized, with clear learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter and pertinent examples to illustrate key concepts. The author does a wonderful job of simplifying a subject that has caused much confusion for many medical students and physicians. "
Audience: The guide is intended for physicians and physicians-in-training to help them interpret clinical evidence.
Features: As a physician and a former course director for epidemiology and biostatistics, the author has a clear understanding of the needs and challenges his audience faces. He is able to clearly define statistical jargon that his readers are sure to have heard, but are likely to only vaguely understand. Additionally, for each topic, emphasis is placed upon clinical relevance.
Assessment: As a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow, I am in the unique position of being a medical student who has had extensive supplemental training in clinical research. This is a book that I would enthusiastically recommend to other medical students.

Biography

Goutham Rao, MD, Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics & Family Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Dr. Rao teaches the first year course Introduction to Medical Decision Making, from which this text is drawn. He is Director of Predoctoral Education, and Director of Medical Information Technology, at St Margaret’s Hospital, in addition to being on faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also Director of the Family Medicine Yr 3 Clerkship. He is Associate Editor of ACP’s Journal Club journal, and serves on the Home Study Committee for the American Academy of Family Practice.