Evidence-based practice: a deconstruction and postmodern critique: book review article

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Philosophy
• Medical Ethics
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Postmodernism offers critical perspectives on contemporary healthcare discourse.
• Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a dominant paradigm in modern healthcare.
• The philosophical underpinnings of EBP are increasingly debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the significance of postmodernism for healthcare, particularly evidence-based practice.
• To examine postmodern critiques concerning EBP's reliance on specific research paradigms and its connection to clinical reality.
• To address concerns about postmodernism potentially fostering relativism and undermining acceptable practices.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of two texts presenting postmodern critiques of evidence-based practice.
• Deconstruction of evidence-based practice through a postmodern lens.
• Examination of postmodernism's defense against accusations of promoting relativism.

Main Results:

• Postmodernism fundamentally challenges the perceived objectivity of evidence-based practice.
• Critiques reveal potential limitations in EBP's respect for diverse research paradigms and clinical expertise.
• Concerns regarding absolute relativism are addressed, distinguishing critique from endorsement of unacceptable practices.

Conclusions:

• Postmodernism does not invalidate the fundamental rules for acquiring and testing evidence.
• The selection of research questions within EBP represents a significant limitation.
• Constructive dialogue on evidence significance can occur without compromising evidentiary standards.