Controversy in the medical literature

✍ Scribed by Nahum, Alan M.

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1979
• Weight: 65 KB
• Volume: 1
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0148-6403
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2890010502

✦ Synopsis

MEDICAL LITERATURE

Controversy, or the expression of opposing or conflicting viewpoints, seems to have become a well-established facet of scientific communication. Therefore, it seems pointless to discuss whether controversy has a place in the exchange of scientific information and ideas, or whether it is appropriate to such an exchange.

Still pressingly relevant, however, is the approach that a medical journal should take in dealing with controversial issues. How can these issues be managed creatively, in such a way that the contributor, the reader, and, ultimately, the patient can benefit from their presentation?

The problem with the printed word-especially when it airs a controversial subject-is that any idea, once in print, can quickly become "cast in stone"difficult to illuminate, difficult to rebut, difficult to change. We would submit that the responsible medical journal has at least two obligations when presenting controversial material: (1) to identify an article or topic as being controversial and possibly representing only one side or facet of an issue or concept; and/or (2) to present part or all of the opposing point of view, or at least indicate that such a viewpoint exists and make it clear to the reader where relevant information can be found. These measures become most important in instances where, for example, inadequate or incorrect patient management might result, or where research progress might be hindered.

Controversy can serve a useful purpose. At its best, it can foster progress and result in enlightenment. At its worst, it can obscure the truth, and personal goals may take precedence over the public welfare. We hope that our readers will assist us in promoting healthy controversy by sending us their own viewpoints on subjects related or unrelated to those published in this Journal.