Evidence and Hypothesis in Clinical Medical Science

The author argues that the current philosophical theory of evidence in clinical medical science is inadequate and proposes a new approach called the weight of evidence account. This method provides a satisfactory explanation and rationale for the "hierarchical pyramid" of evidence-based medicine, with randomized clinical trials and their derivatives at the top and case reports, case series, expert opinion, and the like at the bottom. It also discusses ethical issues surrounding experimentation with medical therapies in human subjects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The author of this book makes a compelling argument that none of the existing philosophical theories of evidence in clinical medical science are sufficient to adequately explain the process of gathering and utilizing evidence to confirm hypotheses. To address this issue, he proposes a novel approach called the weight of evidence account. This innovative method provides a satisfactory explanation and rationale for the hierarchical pyramid of evidence-based medicine, which includes randomized clinical trials, their derivatives, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials at the top, followed by case reports, case series, expert opinion, and similar forms of evidence at the bottom.

To illustrate the development of various "levels" of evidence, the author examines the evolution of less invasive surgical treatments for early breast cancer. He demonstrates how the weight of evidence account explains the concept of levels of evidence and other efforts to rank them. Furthermore, the author presents a defense of randomization as a method to maximize accuracy in the conduct of clinical trials.

The title of the book also addresses ethical considerations surrounding experimentation with medical therapies on human subjects. It provides examples and discusses these issues in studies of respiratory therapies in neonates and treatment for certain cancers in adults. The author demonstrates that in many cases, sufficient evidence can be accrued to warrant the general acceptance of new therapies without the need for evidence derived from randomized clinical trials.

Overall, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of clinical medical science by proposing a new approach to evidence-based medicine and addressing important ethical issues related to medical experimentation. It is a must-read for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in advancing the field of evidence-based medicine.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030442729
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020