The concept of evidence-based medicine was launched in 1991 as a new paradigm to inform medical practice and has risen to be regarded as the gold standard. It rapidly gained the attention of medics, health service managers and the general media as it presented a means to improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Despite its stunning success in capturing the health agenda, the campaign that launched evidence-based medicine has also attracted criticism, particularly from clinicians and philosophers concerned about its selective views of knowledge and evidence, and for its denigration of reasoning, clinical experience and judgement.

Evidence-Based Medicine traces this movement from its launch to its meteoric rise, examining what it has done for healthcare and medicine in the context of changes in science policy and the long-running criticism held against the movement for its inherent weaknesses.

As evidence-based medicine will remain an important feature of healthcare in the decades to come, this book is perfect for healthcare professionals, medical scientists, health service managers and public health experts looking for a critical examination of the topic.