“…There are many ways of doing this, such as through scientific research, clinical or community case studies, development of theoretical frameworks, developing and using new systems and equipment, clinical audit and student education. Yet frustration is clearly expressed both in Ms Minns' letter and in the reply from members of the Editorial Board (Kelly et al, 1996). Is the increasing use of jargon, theory, frames of reference and, worst of all, statistics only of interest to a select few readers?…”