Study finds that many current medical procedures are ineffective

New Jersey patients may be shocked to hear that a recent study from a researcher at National Institutes of Health found that many medical procedures were ineffective. If these medical practices were indeed in error, they may be considered to be medical malpractice.

The research team examined over 1,300 articles that were published in the New England Journal of Medicine between 2001 and 2010. The study found that 146 of the 363 studies that tested current medical procedures wproved them to be ineffective. These studies are classified as 'medical reversal.” Seventy-nine other tests were found to be inconclusive.

The results of this investigative study indicate that many of the medical procedures that are used do not aid patients. For example, stenting for stable coronary artery disease was discovered to be no better than simple medical management for most patients who suffer from the disease. Another example highlighted in the study was that hormone therapy for postmenopausal women to improve cardiovascular outcome was actually worse than no intervention at all.

The research team discovered that many of these practices gain a hold in the medical community due to strong support from its advocates, even when there is weak evidence available. Another surprise found by the research team was that some potentially beneficial treatments were not used due to unfounded concerns. Ultimately, the study argues that eliminating medical reversal will help address the problems that are occurring in health care.

In New Jersey, medical malpractice litigation is incredibly challenging. In most cases, the client may have to prove that there is a good chance of winning the case before the litigation can proceed. An experienced New Jersey attorney may be able to help the client pursue a medical practice lawsuit by working with medical experts who can determine the extent of the injury caused by negligence.