Dooley Noted: 4/6/2014
I’ve read a litany of research articles. I have the honor of being a reviewer for Clinical Anatomy, a peer-reviewed journal.
Yesterday, I had an interesting online discussion with a fellow practitioner about evidence-based practices. He felt strongly that he wanted to use techniques after he had “checked the facts.”
I find it fascinating that people who have never done research actually think that research produces facts. Research only tests ideas called hypotheses. You are simply backing an idea with evidentiary support, using a certain method called the scientific method.
When you start thinking of evidence as “facts,” you have closed yourself off to endless possibilities – and endless testable hypotheses.
You are more than welcome to wait around for research to be published before you try a new technique. You’ll be a few years behind when maybe one idea out of 5,000 actually goes through the arduous publication process.
The rest of us can test and see what works for us – for our patients. After all, I thought this was about the patient. If someone could provide me with a tool to help give patients even an ounce of comfort and help, I am going to test it to see if it works.
THAT is testing a hypothesis. Waiting around for literature to support it can be delaying my patient from getting well.
I appreciate the research, of course. But I won’t tolerate any hindered progression in my patient.
Evidence-based care is wonderful, but testing your own hypotheses is an additional help.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley