A Doctor's Order: The Dutch Case of Evidence-Based Medicine (1970-2015)

In the early 1990s, a new concept was coined: 'evidence-based medicine' (EBM). After a remarkably short time, EBM was virtually all-pervasive in medicine and health care throughout the world. Even outside the domain of health care, the new concept became fashionable; for example, in the shape of (pleas for) 'evidence-based management' and 'evidence-based policy.' In short, 'evidence-based' developed into one of the mantras of the current era. This book uses history as a tool to gain insight into the highly influential, but also elusive and multifaceted phenomenon of EBM. As such, it will be essential reading for professionals, managers, and policy makers in health care, as well as for anyone who is interested in understanding the present socio-political order. [Subject: History, Medicine, Health Care]