EBM — a moral imperative

A series of well-informed chapters engage with some of the major criticisms of evidence-based medicine (EBM). Issues such as flawed research, redundant publishing, publication bias, and the shortcomings of research synthesis are tackled squarely. Despite these problems, argues Goodman, the use of research is well founded both conceptually and practically, creating the imperative to improve the quality of research production and synthesis rather than abandon EBM. The only weakness in his reasoning is the lack of evidence that using EBM leads to better patient outcomes, or discussion of how this might be demonstrated.