Evidenced based medicine. Benefits, limitations and issues for complementary and alternative medicine

Evidence based medicine is examined in terms of its potential benefits and limitations. Currently randomised controlled trials are viewed as gold-standard evidence. It is argued that while this emphasis on clinical trials may have much value, other forms of evidence, especially in the field of complementary medicine, such as traditional use and consumer choice, may be appropriate. The NHMRC's (1999) Guidelines for Clinical Practice indicates that a range of evidence is acceptable in the creation and application of evidence based medicine. The Risk Society model with its emphasis on individualisation and scientific uncertainty is examined as a sociological framework that allows a greater consideration of 'other than science' knowledges in the evolution of evidence based health care.