Michael Cross's article on the use of computers to supply doctors with evidence about the success of different treatmentsknown as evidence-based medicine (EBM)raises some important issues (Forum, 12 June, p 50).
The assertion that "much of what doctors do today is not based on science" may well be true, but the profession is attempting to base clinical practice on the very best evidence. Until recently, this has not been readily available. The information age has allowed doctors unprecedented access to a variety of evidence, from anecdote to well-designed randomised controlled trials.
To state that the push for EBM is coming from the IT industry may be a little cynical. Doctors making decisions about treating patients are far better equipped to make those decisions with a combination of experience and good scientific evidence.
Most clinicians do not have time to decide which evidence is admissible and must rely on others ...
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