Although methodologists have long recognized that randomized trials provide stronger
evidence than nonrandomized observational studies, for management decisions in which
randomized trials are unavailable, clinicians and guideline developers must still
rely on observational studies. Indeed, for a great many questions of clinical importance,
observational studies constitute the best available evidence. In these situations,
clinicians, guideline developers, and decision makers rightly expect guidance from
methodologists in the use and interpretation of those studies and their integration
into guideline recommendations.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 07, 2008
Accepted:
May 21,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
