Cochrane is a word which probably appears on the browser “Favorites” list of most EBM readers. But not many of us make time to browse through this awesome range of systematic reviews as they appear: aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer, NSAIDs for preventing colorectal tumours, light therapy for non-seasonal depression: all in the past few weeks, together with much, much more. Those who live the easy life of the specialist can ignore most of this, but those who have risen to the challenge of the generalist need to know practically everything, and even remember some of it.

For example: acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents: less fever, fewer lesions, less itching, but no effect on major complications. Interventions for improvingadherence to treatment in patients with high blood pressure: a great synopsis of an important area, but the only firm conclusions are that simplifying the drug regime helps, and patient education …