How to understand medical news better

April 11, 2008

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A U.S. newsletter suggests guidelines on the best way to use medical

news, to help reduce frustration arising from lack of clarity in

medical research reports.

Harvard Men's Health Watch newsletter said that even high-visibility

medical studies published in major journals are often contradicted or

modified by subsequent research. This may be frustrating, but new

information should always be welcome, even if it casts doubt on

established beliefs.

Randomized controlled clinical trials are the gold standard for

medical research -- and really the only way to prove a treatment

provides true benefits, researchers said. However, meta-analyses --

in which the results of many different studies are pooled and

analyzed using sophisticated statistical techniques -- are also

important.

Observational studies can provide links between two factors, but

cannot prove one factor caused another. Results from animal and

laboratory studies should be considered preliminary.

" When you read about medical research, see how the new information

fits into your personal health puzzle before you decide to change

your ways, " the Men's Health Watch said in a statement. " Keep the big

picture in mind, and remember to factor in your personal preferences

and priorities. If you have lingering questions, discuss them with

your doctor. "

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