The notion below is that clinical research should measure outcomes that are
most important to patients. Many RCTs in many fields have failed to measure
some or most of the outcomes that arguably are most important to patients. This
is not a fundemental problem with the concept of an RCT. It is a criticism
of imperfectly, or sometimes badly designed RCTs.
---------------------------------------------------------
Roy M. Poses MD
Brown University Center for Primary Care and Prevention
Memorial Hospital of RI
111 Brewster St.
Pawtucket, RI 02860
USA
401 729-2383
fax: 401 729-2494
[log in to unmask]
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
How so very wise! I would add that what is perceived to be relevant,
ethical and/or worthwhile research is also very often strongly influenced
by social construct. That is very true in the midwifery field with which I
am more acquainted. Often the very reductionist aspects of pregnancy have
been examined and the experiences of women ignored. RCTs have ruled - and
quite rightly so in many instances - but too often the effects of the
interventions tested have been far too limited and have ignored the effects
of the tested interventions on the experiences of women. I have no doubt
that most of this research was extremely well intentioned and I am not
sufficiently qualified to criticise anyone particularly. I am just
suggesting that some research projects are simply too restrictive in their
scope. How I wish I knew so much more than I do!
Marianne Mead
|