In reply: We agree with Prince that expertise is needed. The only question is, expertise in what? If we rely on experts in the content area, we are subject to error from ignoring studies that do not fit the expert's view or from an overemphasis on studies familiar to the expert.1 On the other hand, if we rely on experts in systematic reviews, we are likely make other errors, especially errors of omission, because we do not know the content area so well.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1 University Department of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA.
- 2 Centre for General Practice, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD.