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Evidence-Based Endocrinology pp 11–24Cite as

A Short History of Evidence-Based Medicine

Issues for the Clinician

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has made a clear contribution to medicine in a short 10 yr or so. Why then should we stop and consider where it came from and who the people were who generated this new direction? We do not expect any intervention in medicine, whether theoretical or therapeutic, to be perfect. The enthusiasm that greets a new approach gradually gives way to critique with the aim of improving it, of setting limits to its use, or of discarding it. There has sometimes been vehement criticism of EBM, countered with a, sometimes, evangelistic defense. The furor seems to have died down and now is a good time to take stock. What does EBM offer to the clinician in a field like endocrinology, and where might improvements be sought?

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mother and Child Health Research Centre at La trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

    Jeanne Day PhD

Authors
  1. Jeanne Day PhD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN

    Victor M. Montori MD, MSc

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© 2006 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

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Day, J. (2006). A Short History of Evidence-Based Medicine. In: Montori, V.M. (eds) Evidence-Based Endocrinology. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-008-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-008-9_2

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-579-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-008-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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