Expert opinion
A belief or judgment about something given by an expert on the subject.
| Feature | Expert Opinion | Editorial |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A statement or analysis by a subject-matter expert based on their specialized knowledge and experience. | An opinion piece usually written by an editor or a publication’s editorial board expressing the stance of the newspaper, magazine, or journal. |
| Authorship | Written by an expert in the field, often a researcher, scientist, or professional with specialized knowledge. | Written by an editor, journalist, or editorial board, who may not be a subject-matter expert but represents the publication’s viewpoint. |
| Purpose | Provides an authoritative perspective, interpretation, or insight into a specific topic based on expertise. | Aims to influence public opinion, provide commentary, or advocate for a particular stance on an issue. |
| Evidence-Based | Typically supported by data, research, and professional experience. | Can be based on facts, but often includes subjective opinions and arguments. |
| Tone | Analytical, professional, and objective. | Persuasive, argumentative, or subjective. |
| Publication Context | Found in academic journals, professional publications, and expert panels. | Published in newspapers, magazines, or journalistic platforms. |
| Influence | Guides decision-making in scientific, medical, or professional fields. | Shapes public discourse, political views, or policy discussions. |
Evidence-based medicine, centered on the incorporation of evidence from clinical trials and systematic reviews into the teaching and practice of clinical medicine, explicitly attempts to supplant expert opinion, which is viewed as an antiquated and unreliable form of medical authority. The epistemology of evidence-based medicine categorizes expert opinion as the lowest form of medical evidence, superseded even by methodologically flawed clinical research. When derived from direct clinical experience, however, expert opinion represents an alternative form of medical knowledge, one that may be complementary to empirical evidence. Input from clinical experts is vital to informing the context of clinical research and an appeal to alternate forms of medical knowledge, including expert opinion, is necessary to overcome the intrinsic gap between clinical research and the care of individual patients. Even when the quality and quantity of empirical medical evidence are ideal, expert opinion will remain an integral part of the multifaceted knowledge required for the optimal practice of clinical medicine 1).