Speaker: Evidence-based science should support innovation in medicine
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Although innovation is necessary for the continued advances in health care, it needs to be supported by evidence of clinical science and not market driven, according to a presenter.
“Of course we need innovation, but many of the innovations may not be beneficial to patients. Tech sometimes can be harmful,” Freddie H. Fu, MD, DSc (Hon), DPs (Hon), told Healio Orthopedics. “So, we have to be careful because many innovations are being promoted heavily by industry and maybe by some surgeons with some personal interest.”
In his Michael Freeman Honorary Lecture at the Virtual EFORT Congress, Fu noted product development in medicine should not be made to make money, but primarily made to help people. He added researchers need to share both positive and negative study results on a product for a successful product to be made.
“Generally, people only want to have positive results, but, of course, we have to be honest here so we can get it right,” Fu said in his presentation.
Fu also noted medical products need to have quality control, especially among products such as orthobiologics and stem cell-related products.
“Essentially, the key to anything is some outcome measurement, some report of complications, anything that has an indication, but there is not an indication for everything,” Fu said.
He added physicians need to maintain their credibility and integrity. One way to achieve this is by reviewing “the fine print” when looking at level 1 data, according to Fu.
“Improved patient outcome requires individual clinical expertise, patient values and expectations, and the best available clinical evidence,” Fu said. “It takes a long time to do. It is a level 1 study if you are going to do one in 5 years, and for most companies this is way too long to get the results.”
In a global message geared toward young physicians, Fu encouraged them to reach their maximum potential, to put the patient first, and to respect and learn from the past.
“It is important to always strive for your maximum potential. Never be discouraged, do the right thing and believe that you can take care of the patient is your first priority,” Fu said. “If you have those principles, you will live a happy life. Money is important, but it is not that important. You should love your profession and take care of patients.”
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Fu FH. Is the latest always the greatest? Presented at: Virtual EFORT Congress; June 30-July 2, 2021.
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