CAM evaluation: what are the research questions?
Much effort is being directed towards the evaluation of CAM therapies. Yet evaluation is often encouraged before truly considering the research questions which need to be asked. Research questions like 'Does this CAM therapy work?' must be clearly distinguished from 'Does this particular CAM treatment work?' and the latter question needs to be replaced by even more specific ones like 'Does it work when administered by therapist X?' and 'Is therapist X effective?'. Suggestions for the study of the therapeutic process and the evaluation of therapist effectiveness are presented.
Ribeaux
P
P
Centre for the Alexander Technique, London, UK. petev@nbeaux.fsnet.co.uk
Spence
M
M
D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards*; D012107:Research Design