Number Needed to Treat: Treatments Don't Work Like You Think They Work

The video discusses how interventions are often perceived in black and white terms, emphasizing the importance of understanding both relative and absolute risk reductions. It uses examples of heart attack and brain cancer to illustrate these concepts. The video also highlights the significance of absolute risk reduction over relative risk reduction, using real-world studies on the Mediterranean diet, smoking, and aspirin. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and its implications, urging viewers to consider the cost and side effects of treatments.

What are the potential consequences of underestimating the absolute risk reduction of a treatment?

In what ways can the Mediterranean diet's reported benefits be interpreted in terms of risk reduction?

How can understanding absolute risk reduction change a patient's perspective on treatment options?