[The meaning of 'consensus' in the context of guidelines--an introduction into the problem].
From the point of view of sociology a consensus may be incompatible with science. This also applies to consensus statements developed by a scientific medical society, since a lack of facts might have been replaced by a majority decision. This is in contrast to the idea of evidence-based medicine (EbM). Personal beliefs do not gain more plausibility (a higher level of evidence) by the mere fact that they are supported by a majority. Thus it is not helpful to demand that EbM-oriented guidelines also be consensus-based.
Köbberling
Johannes
J
Innere Klinik des Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Klinikums, Wuppertal. koebberling@antonius.de
D032921:Consensus; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care