Clinical trials and meta-analysis: what do they do for us?
Article Abstract:
The clinical trial is a research study that compares new drugs or medical procedures to those that are already in use. A research study found that physicians treating heart attack patients changed the type of drugs that they prescribed soon after the publication of clinical research reports. This conflicts with the theory that physicians are reluctant to change their treatment plans. Clinical trials were first introduced in the 1940s, and the medical profession has come to rely on them for evaluation of new drugs and procedures. Findings from clinical trials are not infallible, and they may have inherent biases. The quality of the research may also vary, so a method is needed to evaluate the trials themselves. Another research study found that cumulative meta analysis may be an effective method for comparing the findings of different clinical trials. Physicians should still try to use their own experience and intuition when choosing a treatment plan for a patient.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Should human cloning research be off limits?
Article Abstract:
The New England Journal of Medicine adds its support to the scientists and biotechnology companies who oppose bills in Congress that would ban all research on the cloning of human cells. These bills were introduced following the announcement of the cloning of a sheep. Many believe it would be immoral and unethical to clone a human, but medical researchers believe the cloning of human cells could have therapeutic benefits. The cloned cells could have specific genes inserted that would correct genetic deficiencies. A bill to protect this research but ban the implantation of a cloned embryo in a human uterus might be a better approach.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
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The new surrogates for board certification: what should the standards be?
Article Abstract:
The certification programs proposed by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Society of Internal Medicine (ASIM) may not be rigorous enough to protect the public from incompetent physicians. Many doctors are certified by one of 24 medical specialty boards, but about 90,000 never become certified for one reason or another. The AMA and ASIM have proposed their own certification programs, but some of the certification criteria do not ensure that a doctor is qualified to practice medicine. It may be better to stick with board certification in a medical specialty.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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