Truth, Ethics and Consensus—Their Relation to Medical Progress and the Quality of Patient Care

Abstract

This article describes the various thought modalities underlying the scientific process, and discusses their application to literature review, meta-analysis, consensus statements and position papers, with examples. Various pitfalls are discussed that can act as impediments to medical progress and the quality of care of patients.

Key Words:

• medical ethics
• consensus statements
• position papers
• scientific method
• medical progress
• vested interests
• patient care
• philosophy
• meta-analysis
• literature review