This book examines why physicians are often surprisingly reluctant to follow guidelines for treating patients based on research data. It assesses the merits of these concerns—which include worries about legal liability, financial incentives, the scientific validity of the data, and the objectivity of the issuer of the guidelines. It also proposes ways of developing more useful data and more effective guidelines that would reduce their objections.

Philip J. Boyle is senior vice president and editor-in-chief of The Park Ridge Center. He was formerly the associate for medical ethics at The Hastings Center.