Editorial.
There is a new and healthy drive in the NHS to ensure that research underpins all activity. The health secretary put his stamp of approval on the research priority last week when he delivered the opening address at a scientific health conference. Stephen Dorrell declared that research should be undertaken and implemented to improve patient care. Mr Dorrell wants an 'effectiveness index' readily available to practitioners to ensure the best research underpins clinical care and treatment. And while the health department has invested in research and development and is pushing evidence based practice, it does appear that research is not research in the government's eyes if the findings are contrary to its policies. In the week that Mr Dorrell preached about evidence based practice, the health department itself was found wanting in disseminating a research report which was politically embarrassing.