Absence of Evidence Is Not the Evidence of Absence: Clinical Consideration when Interpreting Guidelines for the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the global prevalence of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) increases, with a death toll exceeding that during wartime, scientists and clinicians alike are racing against time to provide clarity on pathogenesis, mode of transmission, and to research potential treatment and vaccines amid the pandemic. In the meantime, hospital guidance1 is essential to protect health care providers (HCPs) and for disease containment. However, definitive guidelines are often elusive given the rapid emergence of new data and the time constraints for robust evidence.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Letter Source Type: research