Includes bibliographical references (p. [291]-326) and index.
Contents:
Can there be too much of a good thing? the hazards of uncritically embracing medical advances -- What's the problem? don't we need lifesaving new treatments? -- Medical innovations and American culture: the call of the sirens -- Why more isn't always better: red herrings, side effects, and superbugs -- Why newer isn't always better: unpleasant surprises, recalls, and learning curves -- Social hazards: what we lose by uncritical use of new treatments -- How things really work: opinion makers and regulators of medical advances -- What will you swallow? how drug companies get you to buy more expensive drugs than you may need -- Making friends, playing monopoly, and dirty tricks: other industry strategies -- Stacking the deck? how to get the "right" answer in clinical research -- "Cancer cured--film at 11:00": the media's role in disseminating medical advances -- Doctors and hospitals: fueling the drive for new and more -- Advocacy groups: Mother Teresa's waiting room -- Holes in the safety net: the FDA and the FTC -- Ineffective. inferior or needlessly costly new drugs -- Medical devices that disappoint -- Ineffective or needlessly extensive surgery -- Weight loss technology: shedding pounds from your waistline or your wallet? -- For doctors: evidence-based medicine -- For insurers and researchers: pay now or pay more later -- For all decision makers: getting value for money -- For government: regulatory approaches to improve the dissemination of medical innovations -- For consumers: shared decision making.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.