Hi Michael
I like your idea that common sense can be dangerous.

But, is it more complicated than that?
- eg: on my blog I recently argued that clinical decisions about "electronic cigarettes" should not be based on common sense (ie agreeing with you; http://tinyurl.com/5gzv4p , you may need to login to see comments).
- but, on the other hand, I've also recently argued that common sense can be useful http://tinyurl.com/8zybr7  [from Eccles and Sanu, Rhinology 2008 http://www.rhinologyjournal.com/article/view_abstract.php?mgzn_id=148&rtcl_id=811  ]

So, I've either undermined my previous argument, or common sense can be both useful and dangerous. What do you think? Should I change my thinking?

best wishes
Annabel

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Dr Annabel Bentley | Assistant Medical Director | Group Medical

Bupa, 15-19 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2BA
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-----Original Message-----
From: Evidence based health (EBH) [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Power
Sent: 14 January 2009 12:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Evidence that common sense can be dangerous

A little while ago, Richard Lehman said in his weekly review, and in his inimitable way: "Not very long ago, I could confidently assert that the best way to manage atrial fibrillation was to stop the atrium fibrillating. Obvious, isn’t it? And, like so many obvious ideas in medicine, wrong."

I would like to build a list of obvious ideas in medicine that have been dangerous; for example, advice to put babies to sleep on their tummies.

Suggestions (preferably with references!!) for my list would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Michael Power
Clinical Knowledge Author, Guideline Developer and Informatician Clinical Knowledge Summaries www.cks.library.nhs.uk

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