Positive Health Online

Abstract

LEVIN, colleagues and JONAS, National Institute for Healthcare Research, Rockville MD, USA summarises the deliberations of the Quantitative Methods Working Group convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in support of the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM).

Background

Methodology

The working group had as its remit to identify methods of study design and data analysis applicable to empirical research regarding complementary and alternative medicine . This remit was wide-ranging and included the evaluation of alternative therapies, investigation of the basic science of the complementary medical systems, studies of health promotion, disease prevention and health services research.

Results

The working group produced a summary list of 7 recommended methodological guidelines regarding research on alternative medicine. Their recommendations stressed the robustness of existing research methods and analytic procedures despite the considerable unconventionality of alternative medicine.

Conclusion

: In contrast to the statements of researchers and practitioners of alternative medicine, established methodologies experimental trials, observational epidemiology, social survey research and procedures for data analysis analysis of variance, logistic regression, multivariate modelling techniques are satisfactory for addressing the majority of study issues related to alternative medicine, ranging from clinical research regarding therapeutic efficacy to basic scientific research regarding mechanisms of pathogenesis and recovery.

References

Levin JS et al and Jonas WB. Quantitative methods in research on complementary and alternative medicine. A methodological manifesto. NIH Office of Alternative Medicine. Med Care. 35 (11): 1079-94. Nov 1997.