Calling into Question the Efficacy of Evidence-Based Medicine: Is It Always the Best Approach? Is That Really the Placebo Effect?

摘要

The techniques of evidence-based medicine (EBM) are being frequently used recently. The generally accepted theory is that if a medicine is not absorbed by the body, it will have no effect. However, the author has noticed that even when substances, including medicines, are not absorbed by the body, they can have a marked effect. In some cases, just bringing the substance close to the body can have an effect; in such cases, the efficacy of EBM for estimating the therapeutic value of medicines may be debatable. Therefore, a more accurate evaluation method should be devised. The author proposes that another group be introduced into trials. This group would include subjects who were exposed to but did not have an opportunity to absorb the medicine being tested.