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EBM (the practice and the journal) takes a ribbing

11 Jul, 11 | by Dr Richard Saitz, Editor of Evidence-Based Medicine

A writer at the Boston Globe is annoyed by the terms “evidence-based medicine” (and “reality-based community” and “fact-based presidency,” among others that he calls verbal tics).  Surely these terms have become overused. But they have become overused because people want to base decisions in evidence.  But the reporter scoffs at the BMJ (and the journal EBM) by quoting the long-accepted (since around 1992) definition of EBM and mocking it.

About “evidence-based medicine” he asks, “As opposed to what?”, making the same mistake many learners make when they first hear about EBM. He believes the practice of medicine must all be evidence-based and is unaware that anything else could go on, or that it might be complicated to identify and apply evidence. Clearly EBM (the practice and the journal) is about using the best evidence.

Anyway, the reporter’s piece and my response can be seen here…as per my tweet earlier today “EBM and BMJ taunted by Boston Globe writer http://t.co/liNMZMx last week. EBM responds…See it in the Globe today http://t.co/Uo77Yss ” and follow me @EvidBaseMed_BMJ

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  • http://empower2go.org Amy Price

    It seems to me that the Boston Globe writer makes good money mocking others and may want to investigate the power of ‘Evidence Based Reporting’ or maybe a switch to the science fiction arena or beauty section which could give him an outlet for his views and personal hotilities.

    While it is true that evidence based Medicine is overused as a term this still does not neutralise its value. Evidence based medicine makes quality information available to all including patients. Some studies are showing that evidence based training and application by primary care physicians have increased patient satisfaction and survival rates to that commonly attained only by specialist consultants.

    With more and more literature to sift through to find solutions it would seem that knowing where and how to assess evidence could be critical skills to enhance quality of care.

    Yours For ‘What Works’
    Amy Price

  • Amy Price

    It seems to me that the Boston Globe writer makes good money mocking
    others and may want to investigate the power of ‘Evidence Based
    Reporting’ or maybe a switch to the science fiction arena or beauty
    section which could give him an outlet for his views and personal
    hotilities.

    While it is true that evidence based Medicine is overused as a term
    this still does not neutralise its value. Evidence based medicine makes
    quality information available to all including patients. Some studies
    are showing that evidence based training and application by primary care
    physicians have increased patient satisfaction and survival rates to
    that commonly attained only by specialist consultants.

    With more and more literature to sift through to find solutions it
    would seem that knowing where and how to assess evidence could be
    critical skills to enhance quality of care.

    Yours For ‘What Works’
    Amy Price

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