AIM: To explore the effect of evidence-based medicine(EBM)on the critical thinking ability of medical postgraduates.

METHODS: A total of 300 medical postgraduates were selected by cluster sampling method as participants. The average total score of critical thinking ability and average scores of each critical thinking disposition were measured before and after EBM by using critical thinking disposition inventory Chinese version(CTDI-CV), and the differences of scores were compared.

RESULTS:The total score of CTDI-CV was more than 280 before and after EBM, which showed positive critical thinking ability. Total score of CTDI-CV significantly increased after EBM conducted(t=5.520, P<0.001). The total score of CTDI-CV for postgraduates with different gender, age, education background before college entrance, understanding EBM or not, and whether having clinical work experience or not, increased to one degree or another. The scores of 7 items of CTDI-CV were higher after EBM was carried out. The aspects of open-mindedness, analyticity, systematicity and inquisitiveness increased significantly(P<0.001). However, there were no significant difference for aspects of truth seeking(t=0.630, P=0.529), critical thinking self-confidence(t=0.509, P=0.612)and cognitive maturity(t=1.767, P=0.079).

CONCLUSION:EBM can sufficiently mobilize the students' positivity and activeness, and improve the critical thinking ability. The questioning ability of students should be strengthened and the self-confidence should be cultivated in later teaching to give full play to advantages of EBM.