Why is evidence-based medicine important?
If you haven't already, take a read about evidence-based medicine in Part 1. In short, evidence-based medicine (EBM) is crucial for several reasons:
Less guesswork, more certainty
Evidence does not lie. It does not hold on to tradition or bias and it is not afraid to be wrong. If evidence emerges to the contrary of established medical thinking, this then becomes the new thinking. Antiquated, ineffective practices are thrown out with the adoption of safer, more effective practice. Evidence-based medicine is like a set of rules that everyone follows so there is standardisation and means you're more likely to get the same high-quality care no matter where you go.
Better outcomes, ethical care
Working on the principles of evidence-based medicine ensures that doctors make decisions based on the most recent and reliable scientific information. This way, you're less likely to get treatments that don't work or, even worse, harm you, upholding the ethical principles of medicine. Evidence-based medicine is about keeping patients safe and making sure the best care possible is offered which is of paramount importance.
Pushing medical advancement
The practice of evidence-based medicine serves as a catalyst for medical advancement. By promoting rigorous research and sound scientific practices, it fosters the continuous exploration of novel and innovative approaches to healthcare which contributes to enhanced patient care and better medical outcomes.
Better resource allocation
Healthcare resources like money and time are limited and so evidence-based medicine plays a crucial role in guiding the judicious allocation of these resources by focusing on treatments and practices that have been proven to work and are cost-effective.
In essence, EBM is a powerful tool that elevates healthcare to a higher standard of evidence-driven decision-making, prioritizing patient well-being, ethical care, medical advancement, and efficient resource utilization.
