Opinion: With only ‘shaky data’ to go on, it’s tough to practice evidence-based medicine during the Covid-19 pandemic

Part of my job as an obstetrician is to keep up with the latest evidence so I can provide the best care for my patients. But I’ve never felt as dependent as I am today on shaky data to make what could be life or death decisions.

In a normal month, I receive a stack of medical journals to leaf through and actively seek out new reports online. I focus my attention on the most rigorous studies, those most likely to draw conclusions we can be confident in. These generally include