Stats
The post-modern assault on evidence-based medicine, part 3 (January 7,
2008).
I have volunteered to give a talk for a group of
statisticians which discusses an article I am preparing: "The post-modern
assault on evidence-based medicine." I might give this talk on the first
Monday in February or the first Monday in March. Here is a tentative abstract.
"Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is the integration of
best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. It is
thoroughly rooted in a tradition encourages clinicians to search for and
incorporate empirical data in their daily practice. A recent philosophical
movement, post-modernism, is critical of the belief in universal truths and
argues instead that we humans construct a view of reality based on our social,
political, and historical perspectives. As such, some post-modern
philosophers, writing predominantly for nursing journals, have produced
sharply critical commentaries about EBM, even comparing it to fascism. In this
talk, I will outline the two philosophies. The post-modern philosophers are
correct when they point out the problems and limitations of empirical data,
and we as statisticians would be wise to acknowledge this when we consult with
our clients. I will also argue, though, that EBM is a transparent and
self-correcting mechanism that is broadly democratic rather than fascist in
its approach. Furthermore, EBM is not limited by our social, political, and
historical perspectives, but actually can help us move beyond those
limitations."
I'm hoping to get some feedback that will help me wrtie a better article.
Previous weblog entries on this topic are
This webpage was written
on 2008-01-07
and was last modified on
2008-07-08. Category: Critical appraisal
