The History and Philosophy of Evidence-Based Healthcare

Why did evidence-based medicine arise, and why should you believe in it? What is the evidence that Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC) has done more good than harm? Why was EBHC born in 1992 (wasn’t healthcare always ‘evidence-based’?) When can we trust experts? How can we prevent patient values and the doctor/patient relationship being buried beneath a mountain of evidence? What is the role of the placebo in EBHC? Following in the footsteps of eminent medical doctors who were also philosophers, including Galen, Descrates and Locke, this course provides a unique opportunity to question the assumptions behind the EBHC methodology. Teaching will be coordinated by experts in the field, Dr Jeremy Howick and Sir Iain Chalmers. Students will learn to make philosophical arguments and will engage with researchers who have played key roles in defining the History, Philosophy and actual practice of Evidence-Based Healthcare.