In order to determine the views and understanding of evidence-based medicine (EBM) among postgraduate trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology, a self-administered postal survey was conducted in the West Midlands regional postgraduate training programme in England. Trainees'views and understanding of EBM, and their ability to access and use evidence was surveyed. The response rate was 71%. The trainees had a positive attitude toward use of evidence in provision of health care with 85% supporting the UK National Health Service clinical effectiveness programme. However, their ability to critically evaluate the medical literature was limited, with only 20% having the confidence to assess the general worth of an article, while 67% relied mainly on reviews and guidelines for information about effectiveness. Literature acquisition and appraisal skills should be an integral part of postgraduate structured training programmes so that the next generation of obstetricians and gynaecologists are better equipped to extract and implement research evidence in clinical practice