CAMbase--a XML-based bibliographical database on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) encompasses diverse medical practices outside conventional approaches.
• Scientific literature on CAM is expanding, yet comprehensive evidence remains fragmented and underrepresented in major databases.
• Increasing patient demand necessitates better access to reliable CAM research for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in accessible CAM research by establishing a dedicated bibliographical database.
• To provide a centralized, searchable repository for scientific publications on complementary therapies.
• To support healthcare professionals and researchers in their understanding and utilization of CAM evidence.

Main Methods:

• Development and launch of CAMbase, a free online bibliographical database.
• Inclusion of over 80,000 records from more than 30 CAM-focused journals and periodicals.
• Implementation of a specialized search engine with syntactical and semantical analysis for efficient information retrieval.

Main Results:

• CAMbase successfully aggregated a substantial volume of CAM literature, exceeding 80,000 records.
• Analysis of 43,299 search queries (August 2003-July 2006) indicated diverse user engagement, including scientists, physicians, and patients.
• Search queries focused on key CAM topics like acupuncture, cancer, and safety, demonstrating user interest and needs.

Conclusions:

• CAMbase effectively bridges the information gap for CAM research, serving a broad user base.
• The database facilitates access to evidence for complementary therapies, supporting informed decision-making.
• Future efforts include establishing a comprehensive digital library center for Complementary Medicine to further support practitioners and researchers.