BETs were developed by the Emergency Department at Manchester Royal Infirmary. They arose out of a desire to provide brief reviews of the best evidence about specific topics, in a way that met the specific needs of Emergency Medicine. The CATs used by Sackett were seen as a starting point for developing a method of EBM topic review tailored for Emergency Medicine.
The department’s Professor Kevin Mackway-Jones and Consultant Rosemary Morton, have taken a lead in creating the format and writing many of the first BETs. They have been helped substantially by Professor Simon Carley, and several middle grade staff have made major contributions to writing, reviewing and teaching about the topics. This has contributed to a culture of questioning within the Department, which, we hope, benefits our patients, as well as the staff and students who work here.
BETs have been used as a central part of the department’s critical appraisal journal club, for staff and students, and have formed a focus point for an intensive training in critical appraisal for medical students.
Many people have contributed to the writing and reviewing of BestBets. We have had contributions, suggestions and help from individuals in the UK and around the world and we are thankful to the enthusiasm of our supporters and contributors.
BestBets is based at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and consists of a team of clinicians. Our editorial board acts as a guide for current and future developments.
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