Why are systematic reviews of research on the effects of policies and practices so important?

Canterbury Christ Church University's Public Lecture Series

Acting with the best of intentions, professionals sometimes do more harm than good when they intervene in the lives of other people. Decisions to use or withhold interventions in health care, social care and education should take account of findings in systematic reviews of relevant and reliable research evidence. Continued failure to do this will result in continued avoidable suffering and death, and waste of resources.