Evidence-based medicine is an important goal, so that physicians can recommend the most effective, up-to-date, scientifically-proven treatment strategies. The recommendation of a specific strategy includes multiple considerations-patient and family expectations; available physical, personal, and financial resources; societal issues; as well as professional guidelines. Physicians will increasingly be called upon to participate in these complex decisions. To fully take advantage of the data available, it is increasingly important for physicians to correctly interpret the trials and their endpoints and to keep in mind the multiple, often competing, priorities that exist in the realm of medical technology evaluation. Improved understanding of both the strengths and limitations of the existing approaches are critical, if physicians are to fulfill their increasing role in educating the public and health care regulators about the benefits, risks, and costs of new medical technologies.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine