The ATLS evidence argument

[Ronald Gross]

Karim,

I guess we really should have stopped yesterday.

Mike, please contact Irvene Hughes at the ACS ATLS office
(ihughes at facs.org).  She has been with the ATLS program since its
inception in 1980, and am certain that she will have all of the data
that you wish to see re: the effectiveness of that course in improving
patient care.  Then perhaps you could share that information with all
who want to see the evidence (but only if you want to....), and either
refute those with the "double standard" or publically admit that those
"dogmatic beliefs" just might have been supported by statistics and a
well-designed program that was, and continues to be scrutinized,
analyzed, and redone by some pretty good educators over the last 26
years.

No one has ever said that ATLS has provided us with the one and only
correct way to take care of the trauma patient, and, as previously
pointed out, the course text specifically states that.  What it does do
is provide all who take it with a BASIC understanding of the disease we
call trauma, and provides us with a guide as to how to approach the
trauma patient when they present to your shop.  The course provides,
simply speaking, a "common language" with some common goals of therapy
that are common to all patients who are injured and need care.  Simple
concept, simple goal, huge results.  (sorry for the opinionated
conclusion at the end of that sentence.....I just couldn't resist!! :-)

Best to all,
Ron

Gotta go for a while - actually gonna venture into the OR (if I can
find it....)  WOW, what a great day!

>>> "Mike" <mmackinnon at cox.net> 10/12/2006 10:07 PM >>>
To all

I have to admit im quite disappointed by the reaction to Dr Paul
Bailey's query for evidence. Over the 7 years ive been apart of this
list, Ive seen over and over many people "challenge" for evidence of a
practitioners opinion or assumptions. Not only has this made me a better
provider, but has caused me to become involved in research as well as
publication. Evidence based medicine/practice is the goal we all strive
for.

To see many of those who have traditionally challenged for evidence all
of a sudden propagate dogmatic beliefs in response, is disheartening. It
suggest that there is clearly a double standard which should not exist.
Based on the discussions over the years, the general consensus is that
there is nothing that "just makes sense" or is "self evident" in the
realm of evidence based medicine. Odd to read those very things said now
by those who have scorned others in the past.

Essentially. Prove it or don't do it, as Dr Mattox says.
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