Patients are increasingly getting vastly different medical opinions about the same problem, and are left wondering what's the best thing for their health.

A randomized controlled trial, in which patients were randomly assigned to receive either the treatment or a placebo, dispelled long-held beliefs. Such trials are the cornerstone of "evidence-based medicine," which has galvanized doctors perhaps more than any other subject.

Critics condemn evidence-based medicine as "cookbook medicine" that devalues the doctor's experience and the patient's preference. Proponents argue that evidence from randomized controlled trials has stanched the flow of private and public dollars for useless or even harmful treatments. More important, they say, the information has saved countless lives.

Both sides agree on one point: Keeping up with the latest evidence is virtually impossible.
Via: USA Today "In medicine, evidence can be confusing"