Making subjectivity scientific

Abstract

important message applies to all aspects of medicine and must be firmly delivered to the makers of health policy.The cost-effectiveness of health care may well be improved in the short term by more efficient management, but in the long term, improved cost- effectiveness and quality of care will only be achieved through clinical research.Accordingly, the cost of research must be built into any national health plan dedicated to the public good.From a philosophical perspective, one can argue that the suffering of the seriously ill is wasted unless we learn, by treating them, how to lessen the suffering of future patients.Not a bad philosophy for the economists to bear in mind.