Evidence-based medicine in obstetrics and gynecology

This chapter provides an overview and context, discussing the history of evidence based medicine (EBM) in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN). It describes the importance and conduct of a systematic evidence review, a hallmark of EBM and contemporary evidence-based decision-making. The systematic review is a hallmark of EBM. Systematic reviews apply a scientific review strategy that limits bias by the systematic assembly, critical appraisal, and synthesis of all relevant studies on a specific topic. The chapter provides additional EBM resources and references for interested readers. OB/GYN has played a long and important role in shaping what is known today as EBM, although it did not always embrace evidence. The beginnings of OB/GYNs relationship with EBM may have started in the 1800s when women went to Lying-in Hospitals to stay for days or months in preparation for and recovery from childbirth.