Developing a tool to measure holistic practice: a missing dimension in outcomes measurement within complementary...

Area of Science:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Holistic Health
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Debate exists on research methods for complementary therapies, with insufficient focus on outcome criteria breadth.
• Existing research in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) measures subjective experiences but neglects holism.
• The interaction between therapist and therapy user, and its underlying philosophy of health, remains unmeasured.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a measure of holism and holistic practice in complementary therapy.
• To identify key features for measuring holism and the therapeutic interaction.
• To provide insight into an emerging measure for holistic practice.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative study.
• Development of a novel measurement tool for holism.
• Analysis of key features for holistic practice measurement.

Main Results:

• Identified key features requiring measurement for holism and holistic practice.
• Provided initial insights into a developing measure for holistic practice.
• Highlighted the need for further development of the holistic practice measure.

Conclusions:

• A new measure for holism and holistic practice is emerging.
• Further development is required before the measure can be used in research or practice.
• Addressing holism in CAM research is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of therapy outcomes.