A Doctor Writes...

摘要

Your Doctor has been thinking about evidence-based decision making and policy setting. For the past decade or so the government has regularly stated that it desires more evidence-based decision and planning. Obviously it would be a good thing: if there is cast iron evidence then we can optimise our outcomes in whatever endeavour we are engaged. But hang on. What if we have to wait for the evidence, or there is genuine doubt in interpreting the evidence. Dame Sally Davies (sorry for name dropping) once told Your Doctor that a much better question was to ask 'What evidence, or combinations of evidence, would I need to see in order to take a specific action?'