Rational Diagnosis and Treatment

The third edition of Rational Diagnosis and Treatment puts the practice of clinical medicine into perspective by arguing that clinical decision making should be built from first principles. The following questions are posed: How reliable are various sorts of data? How has disease classification evolved with knowledge? How does the diagnostic process narrow down options? How do randomness, luck and clinical trials come together? What is the nature of reason and reasoning and the true value of published literature? The main theme of the book stresses that whenever possible, clinical decisions must be based on the best evidence from clinical research. However, the authors also highlight the pitfalls of such research and the problems involved in extrapolating from groups of patients to the individual. This beautifully written book integrates the science and statistical approach of evidence-based medicine with the art and humanism of medical practice; distinguishing between data, sets of data, knowledge and wisdom, and the application of knowledge. Such an intellectually challenging book is ideal for both medical students and doctors who require theoretical and practical clinical skills to help ensure that they apply theory in practice.