Yuriy Babinets discussed the principles of evidence-based medicine in oncology and international protocols. Patients are advised to opt for a team approach and scientific methods.
Evidence-based medicine is a concept that is heard more and more frequently today. But what does it mean in practice, especially in oncology, where the cost of error is highest? UNN discussed this with Yuriy Babinets, director of “MedGuard,” a company that provides medical support to patients.
What lies behind the term “evidence-based medicine”
“Evidence-based medicine is a modern approach to treatment, where medical decisions are made not based on ‘this is how it’s done’ or a doctor’s personal opinion, but on international scientific research, clinical guidelines, and proven treatment effectiveness,” explains Babinets.
He emphasizes that evidence-based medicine is not just “dry protocols,” but a combination of three key factors: scientifically confirmed data, the doctor’s practical experience, and the patient’s individual characteristics.
In practice, according to Babinets, this means that patients are not prescribed unnecessary tests or “fashionable treatments without evidence,” but are selected for methods whose effectiveness and safety are truly confirmed.
“This is especially important in complex fields – oncology, cardiology, surgery, intensive care, where the cost of error is very high,” emphasizes the specialist.
Evidence-based medicine in oncology
In oncology, evidence-based medicine is critically important because it is here that the correctness of the patient’s treatment path directly impacts their lifespan and quality of life.
As Babinets explains, the key principles here are:
- accurate and modern diagnostics;
- treatment according to international standards and national protocols;
- a multidisciplinary approach;
- treatment personalization;
- monitoring of all treatment and rehabilitation stages.
“Today, quality oncology is not the decision of a single doctor. It is teamwork: an oncosurgeon, a chemotherapist, a radiologist, a pathologist, an anesthesiologist, a rehabilitation specialist, and other experts,” explains the director of “MedGuard.”
This is why the following are so important:
- international treatment standards;
- oncology consultations;
- a “second opinion”;
- post-operative support monitoring;
- proper coordination among specialists.
What a patient should pay attention to and what questions to ask the doctor
A patient who wants to be treated by an “evidence-based” doctor should pay attention to the specialist’s practical skills and work style.
According to Babinets, a doctor who works according to the principles of evidence-based medicine explains their decisions in clear language and justifies why they recommend a particular treatment. Such a doctor does not promise “100% results” and does not prescribe dozens of unnecessary medications “just in case.”
“They rely on the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, as well as modern international recommendations. They are open to a ‘second opinion’ and are not afraid of consulting colleagues,” says Babinets.
A patient has the right to ask the doctor simple and absolutely normal questions:
- why do you recommend this particular treatment method?
- does it comply with international recommendations?
- what are the alternatives?
- what are the risks and the expected outcome?
- is a consultation with related specialists needed?
- is it worth getting a “second opinion”?
It is important, emphasizes the specialist, to pay attention not only to the doctor but also to the clinic itself, specifically whether it operates according to modern international standards and national protocols. Also, whether there is a multidisciplinary approach and post-operative support. The clinic must have a treatment quality control system. It is very important how openly and honestly the clinic communicates with the patient.
Babinets explains that in their practice of patient support, the company focuses not only on the doctor’s status or popularity but on their real clinical experience, reputation within the professional community, treatment outcomes, ability to work in a team, and communication with the patient. Important factors also include working according to modern international standards and national protocols, as well as readiness to manage the patient systemically, rather than “from consultation to consultation.”
It is important, emphasizes Babinets, that the patient does not remain alone with a complex diagnosis.