Posted on July 5: Infectious disease specialists publish first of its kind evidence-based textbook

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After two years of collaboration, McMaster's Mark Loeb, Marek Smieja and Fiona Smaill are celebrating the fruit of their labour with the launch of their textbook, Evidence-based Infectious Diseases, published recently through BMJ Books.

Though standard textbooks on this topic are abundant, this book is considered the first of its kind through its use of evidence-based medicine.

“McMaster is considered the home of evidence-based medicine,” said Smieja. “We thought it very fitting that our textbook would reflect this approach.”

All three editors are members of the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, having trained in medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and health research methodology.

The concept for the book originated in discussions between Loeb and Mary Banks, from BMJ Books. “BMJ originally approached me with the idea of doing an evidence-based textbook,” said Loeb. After agreeing to take on the project, he sought the support of Smaill and Smieja, who were excited by the prospect of contributing their expertise in infectious diseases.

“When Mark told me about the book, I knew it would be challenge to fit it into our busy schedules, but none of us wanted to miss out on the opportunity to contribute,” Smaill recalls. “And now we're all very pleased with the results.”

During two years of preparation, the group worked together to determine the content, format, and the identification of appropriate authors. Each took on the responsibility of editing one-third of the book. “We wanted to emphasize in the book both methodological issues in assessing quality of evidence, as well as the 'best evidence' for practicing infectious diseases,” said Loeb.

The textbook will soon be made available at the Media Shop Bookstore in the McMaster University Medical Centre, Rm. 1G.