We are always seeking ‘proof’ to guide our decisions, particularly when it comes to medical matters but that might be a mistake according to a new report.
The largest comprehensive analysis of Clinicaltrials.gov finds that clinical trials are falling short of producing high-quality evidence needed to guide medical decision-making. Or in others they prove nothing but leave more confusion in their wake.
Oh really? Well, one of the charges leveled against alternative treatments such as bioidentical natural hormones is that there is no ‘proof’ or scientific evidence they work. Thousands of women’s experience over many years is irrelevant it seems
If the reports are leaving confusion in their wake they are in good company as there is also confusion over who first coined that famous ‘lies and statistics remark’ as it is claimed equally by the US on behalf of Mark Twain and the UK for Benjamin Disraeli – you decide!
I know that generally when I refer to the results of clinical trials I like to know how many people we are talking about – and I am vindicated as this new analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, submitted by Duke University Medical Center, found the majority of clinical trials is small, and there are significant differences among methodical approaches.
If you want a good example, I point you towards HRT on whose very small initial trial a multi billion industry has been constructed. More recently, if you have been following the homoepathy is good, homoepathy is worthless’ debate that has been taking place your head will be spinning. First ‘proof’ it does not work and recently a new study that ‘proved’ it did.
I am one of the ‘anecdotal’ people who prefers to believe the evidence of the results in my own body. I know homoeopathy works for me and has done so for many years over many different conditions from overating to vertigo and lots in between. Proof for me is that I take the tablet and the symptoms go – so it is good to know I can take research with the (small) pinch of natural sea salt that it really deserves.
AnnA_R
AnnA Rushton is an experienced author and speaker on health, personal development and creativity. With a background in television, theatre and advertising she is a natural communicator with a particular interest in womens health and holistic medicine. Her books include 'Natural Progesterone', How to Cope Successfully With Stress', 'Tips For Hot Flushes', 'Dealing With Procrastination' and 'How To Write Your Life Story' all of which are available at http://www.creativecatalyst.co.uk
Join with Google
Join with Facebook