[The problem of therapeutic efficacy indices. 1. Elements of the problem]

Efficacy indices measure the efficacy of therapies. They derive, by definition, from two quantities, the basal or control risk of event, Rc, observed in the control group, and the on-treatment risk, Rt, observed in the treated group. In clinical trials and meta-analyses, each is an unbiased measure of efficacy. Although they are a combination of frequencies, these indices are used in clinical practice to predict the benefit in treated patients. Their relevance to express efficacy depends on the type of clinical condition, and is better for acute diseases than for chronic diseases. In order to be useful for prescribers, they should meet certain specifications. In addition, they should be considered in the more general framework of effect models.