Evidence-Based Medicine and Clinical Research: Both Are Needed, Neither Is Perfect

Abstract

Currently, it is impossible to think of modern healthcare that ignores evidence-based medicine (EBM), a concept which relies on 3 pillars: individual clinical expertise, the values and desires of the patient, and the best available research. However, EBM is not perfect. Clinical research is also far from being perfect. This article provides an overview of the basic principles, opportunities, and controversies offered by EBM. It also summarizes current discussions on clinical research. Potential solutions to the problems of EBM and clinical research are discussed as well. If there were specific issues related to pediatric nutrition, an attempt was made to discuss the basic principles and limitations in this context. However, the conclusions are applicable to EBM and clinical research in general. In the future, considering that new ways of obtaining health data will continue to emerge, the world of EBM and clinical research is likely to change. The ultimate goal, however, will remain the same: improving health outcomes for patients.

Lessons from Outside and Within: Exploring Advancements in Methodology for Naturopathic Medicine Clinical Research

“…Such an opportunity to capture clinical insights as a basis for future research may not only assist the substantive topic in question, it may also offer a practical method for recalibrating the balance within the evidence-based medicine triad in general, serving to bolster the value and awareness of the pillars of clinical expertise and patient values through research. 56–58 As the naturopathic profession works with researchers to document and share the experience and insights of clinicians (both past and present), naturopaths and researchers will provide a model through which the “clinician experience” pillar of evidence-based medicine can be operationalized. 58…”

Editorial

“…In 1991, EBM word was 1st time coined by Gordon H Guyatt as 'the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. 1 EBM provides more dedicated, systemic and homogenous pathway for making clinical decision for patient's management. When EBM was envisaged, its objective was not to replace the clinical expertise-based decision but rather to help it with objective evidence.…”

<p>Terminated Interventional Trials in the Clinical Trial Registry of India Database: An Analysis to Evaluate the Reasons for Termination</p>

“…They are a crucial component in EBM practice. 5 Refinement and up-grading in the therapeutic regimens are currently based on the clinical trials' findings, which ultimately benefit mankind. Conducting RCTs is not an easy task but is quite challenging as it involves significant investments in the form of human subjects, financial, regulatory, and physical resources.…”