Abstract

JIMENEZ PANEQUE, Rosa E. The origin, truths, fallacies of the evidence-based medicine and its acceptance in Cuba. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2012, vol.38, suppl.5, pp.702-713. ISSN 0864-3466.

Evidence is knowledge acquired through the scientific method, being the latter the series of techniques and procedures that science uses in the search for knowledge about the world and the causes of phenomena. The evidence is primarily spread through scientific literature, but since many original articles come from studies "at high risk of bias", a critical appraisal of the data that the literature provides is needed. The search of scientific evidence for medical practice is not a whim, but the only way by which the scientific knowledge can produce real social impact. The so called Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is supported on these concepts, but its orthodox practice is virtually impossible and unaffordable. However, the existence of a wide gap between what is demonstrated as effective through research and the actual implementation in medical and health prescriptions is admitted. Nevertheless, EBM has currently extended to almost all clinical scenarios worldwide and has transcended into public health and health policy. Some clear interest in the integration of new scientific evidence to medical practice in Cuba is noticeable. The developing countries face the disadvantage of little evidence originating from their own socio-cultural contexts. It is thus necessary to promote quality research in developing countries with the aim of generating their "own scientific evidence", since it is not ethical to bring in practices based only on knowledge acquired and demonstrated in developed countries.

Keywords : Evidence based medicine; scientific method; research quality.

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