The medical reformation

Now (2014): The old order is falling apart. Many in the health professions accept the new ideals of open data and shared decision-making, but the academic leadership is worried about loss of “intellectual property”, along with the familiar funding streams and career progression through publication. The rich and powerful medical industries are in the process of allowing access to data, and are re-examining their links with academe. Reformers argue among themselves about how radical an approach to adopt towards industry and academe. They write books, articles, blogs, tweets and guidelines.

Then (1520–1540): The old order began to fall apart. Many in the church hierarchy (priests) accepted the new ideas, but those in command saw them as a grave threat. The princes and kings of Europe reacted cautiously… And the reformers began to argue among themselves. They wrote copiously: large books, small books, tracts, letters, table talk, orders of worship, and hymns. These were avidly circulated and read, but led to divisions of creed and practice.

Now (2014): There can be no catastrophic ending to the medical reformation, but there can be a prolonged, messy period of change, with much needless bickering and duplication of effort. That is why the medical reformers must all work together towards the common goal of dependable, real-time, patient-relevant evidence, which is brought to bear through effective shared decision-making. This is bigger than any individual and will last longer.

CMEpedia aims to contribute to the current medical reformation by assisting in the distribution of quality controlled medical knowledge at affordable rates. We respect the authorship of academics by offering remuneration for their effort and disclose their interests. We welcome content for our database to assist as many healthcare professionals as possible in their clinical decision-making.