“Evidence-based medicine” is designed to reduce variations in practice, reduce inappropriate care, and reduce waste by using results of studies of large groups of people as the basis for medical guidelines. On the other hand, some feel that it is bad medical policy to apply general rules to all cases. Since not all cases are the same, and not all people are the same, some argue that that providers (physicians) use his or her knowledge of the particular patient in deciding the best course of treatment along with the patient.
In your opinion, should providers be forced to follow the course of action prescribed by the evidence based medicine results, or should the decision be left to the patient and their provider? Support your opinion and explain why. Be specific.