When going to the GP [MD in USA], most people expect to leave with medication
to fix an illness—or at least a treatment plan to tackle it. But Australian-first
research reveals doctors are instead giving many patients placebos, ranging
from water-based injections to unnecessary antibiotics.
Survey shows most Australian doctors give patients active placebos.
77% of doctors reported giving 'active placebos'
39% of doctors give 'inactive placebos'
I think these claims need to be reassessed considering that only 136 doctors
across Australia were surveyed—hardly a significant sample number considering
that there are currently 119,00 generalist and specialist doctors practising here.
I would've thought sample size of at least 1,000 would be necessary in order to
make such broad brush claims.
I also note that the report claims that saline nasal sprays are "inactive placebos".
This is demonstrably wrong, so how many of their other interpretations are bogus?
Saline solution restores moisture to dry nasal passages and sinuses, and curbs
inflammation of mucous membranes. Saline sprays also help keep the cilia in your
nose healthy. Cilia are small hair-like structures that help humidify the air going into
the lungs, trap bacteria to prevent them from entering the cells, and aid the sense
of smell. If you use saline irrigation regularly, it can help to thin mucus, give you
less postnasal drip (and sore throats), and cleanse your nasal sinuses of bacteria.
—As a chronic sufferer of allergic rhinitis, I can vouch for this.
to fix an illness—or at least a treatment plan to tackle it. But Australian-first
research reveals doctors are instead giving many patients placebos, ranging
from water-based injections to unnecessary antibiotics.
Survey shows most Australian doctors give patients active placebos.
77% of doctors reported giving 'active placebos'
39% of doctors give 'inactive placebos'
I think these claims need to be reassessed considering that only 136 doctors
across Australia were surveyed—hardly a significant sample number considering
that there are currently 119,00 generalist and specialist doctors practising here.
I would've thought sample size of at least 1,000 would be necessary in order to
make such broad brush claims.
I also note that the report claims that saline nasal sprays are "inactive placebos".
This is demonstrably wrong, so how many of their other interpretations are bogus?
Saline solution restores moisture to dry nasal passages and sinuses, and curbs
inflammation of mucous membranes. Saline sprays also help keep the cilia in your
nose healthy. Cilia are small hair-like structures that help humidify the air going into
the lungs, trap bacteria to prevent them from entering the cells, and aid the sense
of smell. If you use saline irrigation regularly, it can help to thin mucus, give you
less postnasal drip (and sore throats), and cleanse your nasal sinuses of bacteria.
—As a chronic sufferer of allergic rhinitis, I can vouch for this.
I'm a creationist; I believe that man created God.