The Crisis in Clinical Research: Endangering the Half-Century National Institutes of Health Consensus

Article Abstract:

Drastic measures may need to be taken to ensure that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues to fund patient care research. NIH started on this road in 1953 by creating the Clinical Center. Throughout the years, individual institutes were created for specific diseases and body systems. However, the number of physicians conducting patient care research has dwindled since then. A panel of physicians issued a report in 1998, but many of its recommendations may not go far enough. One problem is how many scientists define patient care research. Research on mice may not directly benefit people.

Research, Reports, Physicians, Medical professions, Medical research

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The Trials and Tribulations of Clinical Practice Guidelines

Article Abstract:

A 1999 study found that many practice guidelines do not adhere to standards proposed for creating such guidelines. Practice guidelines are documents that advise doctors on the best way to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They are usually based on scientific evidence reported in the medical literature. None of the guidelines in the study met all 25 standards proposed for developing practice guidelines. Most did not say how they found the evidence, how they judged it or how they combined diverse studies.

Standards, Practice guidelines (Medicine)

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Clinical Decision Support Systems to Improve Clinical Practice and Quality of Care

Article Abstract:

Computers are becoming more widespread in the practice of medicine. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) provide computerized patient care guidelines and decision trees, allowing physicians to ensure that they are covering all bases in managing the care of a patient. Studies indicate that CDSSs improve the care provided by physicians, and may improve outcomes. Drug order-entry systems can predict drug interactions, reduce pharmacy errors, drug dispensing errors, and adverse reactions.

Evaluation, Prevention, Decision support systems, Medical protocols, Medication errors

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