Profiles in medical courage: evidence-based medicine and Archie Cochrane

• Main Author: Robbins RA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Arizona Thoracic Society 2012-08-01
• Series: Southwest Journal of Pulmonary and Critical Care
• Subjects: Archibald Cochrane; Cochrane Collaboration; God complex; evidence based medicine; physician autonomy
• Online Access: http://www.swjpcc.com/general-medicine/2012/8/2/profiles-in-medical-courage-evidence-based-medicine-and-arch.html?SSScrollPosition=34

Archibald (Archie) Cochrane is often credited with being the inspiration for evidence-based medicine. His influential 1971 book, “Effectiveness and Efficiency”, strongly criticized the lack of reliable evidence behind many common healthcare practices. His call for a collection of systematic reviews led to the creation of The Cochrane Collaboration, named in honor of him. Archie Cochrane's life was a tortuous one, which included psychoanalysis, service in two wars, and studies of pneumoconiosis, tuberculosis and healthcare delivery. In this profile of medical courage we explore not only his thoughts on healthcare but his extraordinary background that shaped his ideas.