The Art of Paediatric Medicine Beyond the Evidence Base

This book assembles the acquired wisdom of experienced paediatricians and other clinicians involved in the care of children of all ages and stages. Its broad applicability will assist and improve healthcare of children around the world.

The art of paediatrics is complex, and the scope of clinical medicine extends far beyond that for which there is a scientific evidence base. In fact, there are many aspects of paediatrics that have not been tested in a clinical trial, nor are they easily amenable to research. With the belief that the best clinical practice is a combination of evidence-based medicine and collective anecdotal wisdom of experienced clinicians, this book offers a unique perspective on the practice of paediatric medicine.

The book is divided into four sections organised by ‘Ages and Stages’ rather than organ systems, reflecting the developmental nature of paediatric practice. One section contains pearls of wisdom that are applicable to all ages. Each chapter begins with a clinical case that demonstrates how the pearl can be applied in clinical practice. This is followed by a discussion of the topic with relevant evidence-based references. The ‘Other Gems’ section allows authors to share other practice points relevant to but not directly related to the clinical pearl. The purpose of this book is a desire to share information to improve the lives of our patients by helping those who care for them.