Research methods in complementary and alternative medicine: an integrative review

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Scientific literature shows limited evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
• Despite limited evidence, CAM practices yield significant results in clinical settings.
• There is an ongoing discussion among CAM practitioners regarding research quality and execution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize diverse methodological models used in CAM research.
• To address the complexity of therapeutic interventions within CAM.
• To facilitate the integration of evidence-based medicine into CAM clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research methodologies in CAM.
• Analysis of differentiated methodological models.
• Focus on encompassing the complexity of therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Identification of various methodological approaches in CAM research.
• Synthesis of models that capture the complexity of CAM interventions.
• Highlighting the need for robust research designs.

Conclusions:

• Bridging the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice is crucial for CAM.
• Strengthening CAM requires the adoption of appropriate and rigorous research methodologies.
• This review provides a framework for understanding and improving CAM research quality.