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The Importance of Evidence for the Integration ofTraditional and Complementary Medicine intoWestern Healthcare? |
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DOI:10.15806/j.issn.2311-8571.2015.0029 |
KeyWord:Integrated medicine, traditional and complementary medicine, clinical guidelines, evidence based medicine, Delphi Technique,acupuncture |
Author | Institution |
Nicola Robinson* |
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrated Health, School of Health & Social Care, London
South Bank University, London, UK |
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Abstract: |
Policy makers should consider improving access to treatments normally considered outside of healthcare in the west, particularly given the
recent WHO strategy. However, research on integrating traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) into conventional health care is
lacking. T& CM approaches, may provide a cost effective option given the increase in chronic diseases with evidence of effectiveness of T& CM
being key if such approaches are to be offered as part of integrative patient care, in most countries, an integrated healthcare approach is
unavailable to patients. Evidence based clinical guidelines on T& CM should influence care provision. However evidence that is available may
not even be cited. Poor use of evidence may possibly be a reflection of lack of knowledge and/or biases of guideline developers but additionally
stakeholders vary in their perceived need for evidence to implement health policy change. Journal editors should focus on publishing high
quality manuscripts, with clear rationales, design and reporting frameworks. Researchers should consider carrying out careful feasibility studies
prior to conducting trials taking into account the UK Medical Research Council’s framework on complex interventions. Examples of feasibility
studies highlighting their importance for trial design are given in this paper. If preparation for more definitive studies is conducted this will in
turn improve the quality of research being designed, executed and published and subsequently encourage the inclusion of evidence by
guideline developers. Robust evidence is necessary in order to inform governments’ health policies providing appropriate T&CM interventions
which can ultimately help to provide best patient care. |
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