McMaster University in Ontario, Canada is one of three Evidence-based Practice Centers designated by the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ) that is outside the United States. This reflects the leadership role taken by the faculty in the Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics in the development of evidence-based health care, health services research and methodology and its international reputation for innovation and excellence.

The McMaster EPC has the capacity to produce scientific reviews of existing knowledge in topics assigned by AHRQ and of importance to government, private organizations, consumer groups, and others concerned with health care. In addition, the EPC manages contracts from other public and private sector organizations. It promotes research that supports the development, dissemination and application of evidence to clinical practice and policy as well as student involvement and training for better understanding of the role of evidence in health care decision-making.