Publication of scientific information

This criticism is of a minor nature really, but it is worthy of consideration. It is about something which occurs in many walks of life and in particular in professional circles.

When scientific research work is done that results in) information which is valuable in a particular field, it is usually written up in a specific way and submitted to a journal 01 magazine for publication. This is one of the recognized ways of spreading scientific information. Quite often papers of this type are presented by their author at appropriate conferences^ throughout the world.

But, when papers are submitted, there is a tendency for two things to happen. One is that the prestige, rank or name of the author within a particular field is often very influential in having the paper accepted by a journal. Thus, the situation can arise where a person of high standing in the scientific world will have a paper accepted for publication that may be of very little value or significance. This can happen: everyone is subject to human weakness and error. On the other hand, a brilliant paper by an unknown person working in the same field may not be published because the person working the same field may not be published because the person is unknown; because the distinguished author of the other paper might be embarrassed by the content of the unknown author’s paper; or simply because only one paper on this topic can be accepted for some reason, and in this case, obviously the distinguished author gets in. Furthermore, the rank or rating of the particular journal in which an article appears can be regarded as an indication of the quality of the article. The same situation can arise here whereby a ‘distinguished author might have work accepted for a top-rated journal whilst someone of no standing, but who has done excellent work, might not even be considered. The result can be that the good work is published in another journal of lower standing.

It is not being suggested that these happenings are regularly occurring, simply that the principle exists and occasions arise where it can happen. The obvious answer is for thorough evaluation of all work submitted on a particular topic without regard for the ’standing’ of the author. Obviously the accuracy or reliability of work reported would have to be verified but, and this is important, this factor should not be influenced by the source of the report.

The attitude of the doctor

Before getting on to the direct criticism of some of the techniques used in assessing the value of treatments, we might consider another everyday matter.

There are occasions when people suffering from chronic conditions are told by their doctor that there is no cure for their condition; that they must expect such things at their age; and that they will have to learn to live with it. Some doctors also believe, and tell their patients so, that the best way to deal with the situation they find themselves in is to accept it and not fight it. Admittedly, in partial support for the last suggestion, there is some evidence to suggest that conservative management of the disease may result in a better long-term result than would be achieved by intensive drug therapy. However, the conservative therapy requires correct doctor and patient attitudes. It does not necessarily have to include a negative approach to the problem. It is this attitude as part of the therapy, not the type of therapy that is under criticism here.

A quotation from a doctor reads: ‘In discussions of the, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis it is seldom sufficiently stressed that rheumatoid arthritis is an incurable disease. There is no agent which will significantly alter the course of this disease over a number of years.’

What a statement to make, and why make it?

First of all, the statement is not accurate. If it had to be said in this way then it should have read: ‘There is no agent known at present which will significantly alter the course… Secondly, the disease is only incurable until something is found to cure it. Thus, it seems completely unnecessary to be so pessimistic and thus so depressing. Even if the statement were accurate it is unnecessary. It cannot do anyone any good at all to have this sort of statement made to him or her, and it may well do harm by creating a stress factor if said to à patient.

It is respectfully suggested that a truthful, but positive and encouraging attitude by the doctor will be beneficial in helping the patient with any type of therapy. This factor has been demonstrated ’subjectively by the reports of people who have been on mussel extract treatment. There have been those who have been on this treatment on the recommendation î their own doctor. Someone else may have noted the benefit they have derived and decided to ask their doctor if they should also try it. The responses have ranged from open-minded agreement to blinkered antagonism.

*22/48/5*

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