Methodology of research and practice for the third millennium: evidence-based medicine.
In the past 10 years there have been significant scientific advances in biological sciences and health care. The growth in basic and translational research data to guide medical practice, which has an impact on health care costs has made it critical for clinicians to appraise and use published evidence for medical decisions. Evidence-based medicine should be strengthened and promoted to enhance the rationale and quality of medical care provided to our patients. Basic laboratory research and properly designed, relevant and timely prospective clinical trials should be strongly supported; patient participation must be increased to acquire more accurate information to develop innovative therapeutic strategies in oncology. New avenues in cancer detection and staging, as well as therapy, suggested by basic and translational laboratory research, must be vigorously pursued and adequately funded. Methodology for accurate cost accounting of medical care and cost-benefit studies needs further development. Technology assessment will substantially contribute to better utilization of scarce health care resources.
Perez
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CA
Radiation Oncology Center, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D008495:Medical Oncology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D018787:Radiation Oncology; D012107:Research Design