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Evidence-making hepatitis C cure: Towards a science that knows more carefully.

Authors :
Rhodes T
Lancaster K
Source :
The International journal on drug policy [Int J Drug Policy] 2019 Oct; Vol. 72, pp. 40-46. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Jul 12.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

There has been some controversy concerning the curative potential of new treatments for hepatitis C. This follows a systematic review of the Cochrane Collaboration questioning the clinical benefits of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This controversy has been debated as a matter of methods regarding how best to evidence treatment in an evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach. Drawing from science and technology studies (STS), we offer an alternative perspective. We propose a different way of thinking with evidence; one which treats 'evidencing as performative'. Using the Cochrane review and its linked published responses as a resource for this analysis, we consider how hepatitis C cure is differently made-up through the knowledge-making practices performing it. We show how matters of apparent fact in evidence-based science are enacted as matters of clinical, social and ethico-political concern. We notice hepatitis C cure as a fluid object in negotiation. We highlight the limits of current debate to advocate a more critical and careful practice-based approach to knowing hepatitis C cure. This calls upon public health researchers to reflect on the performative work of their evidencing. We propose a 'more-than' EBM approach which treats 'evidence-based' science as an 'evidence-making intervention'. We consider the implications of such an approach for the evidencing of public health interventions and for treating hepatitis C in the DAA era of 'viral elimination'.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-4758
Volume :
72
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The International journal on drug policy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
31307851
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.06.023