title: Evidence, errors, and ethics.
abstract: Evidence-based decisions relating to the development and use of novel medical interventions are liable to false positive and false negative errors: adverse consequences that ensue from making or omitting to make a given decision. In this article we examine the propensity to false positive and false negative errors in light of competing value judgments in the areas of designing randomized controlled trials, pharmaceutical licensing, coverage of medical treatments, and clinical practice.
authors.forename: Franklin G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Joffe
authors.forename: Aaron S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Kesselheim
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D003657:Decision Making; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000941:ethics*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration