Justice in health research: What is the role of evidence-based medicine?

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) aims to facilitate access to up-to-date, accurate information about the effectiveness of medical interventions, in order to improve human health. The quality of the research results available for EBM processes of synthesis and meta-analysis is critical to this process. If there are distortions or corruptions in the research process, EBM becomes a false prophet, collecting and propagating unreliable results. This article examines flaws in the current processes of research production and the implications of these for justice and for vulnerable patients, and explores possible solutions.