Evidence-based medicine: A commentary on common criticisms

Abstract

Discussions about evidence-based medicine engender both negative and positive reactions from clinicians and academics. Ways to achieve evidence-based practice are reviewed here and the most common criticisms described. The latter can be classified as 'limitations universal to the practice of medicine,' 'limitations unique to evidence-based medicine' and 'misperceptions of evidence-based medicine.' Potential solutions to the true limitations of evidence-based medicine are discussed and areas for future work highlighted.