Step 1: Understanding Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM).
EBM integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed healthcare decisions. It considers the individual patient's circumstances, preferences, and health goals.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (1) Treatment based on research evidence and clinical expertise without any regard for patient's values: Incorrect. EBM always incorporates the patient's values and preferences.
- (2) Treatment based on case-control studies: Incorrect. While case-control studies can contribute, EBM involves the integration of all high-quality evidence, not just one study design.
- (3) Integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient's unique values and circumstances: Correct. This defines EBM, which is a patient-centered approach to care.
- (4) Integration of expert opinion with clinical expertise: Incorrect. Expert opinion alone does not constitute EBM, as it lacks the integration of research evidence and patient values.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (3), as EBM integrates research, clinical expertise, and patient-specific factors.