Finding controlled trials of complementary medicine therapies
The US National Library of Medicine has developed a search filter for identifying articles in PubMed/MEDLINE on complementary medicine topics. The CAM on PubMed search strategy can be used in conjunction with other limits in PubMed/MEDLINE (e.g., the randomized controlled trial publication type) to identify specific types of research related to complementary medicine. We have also posted an OVID translation of the CAM on PubMed search strategy for persons who wish to use OVID rather than PubMed to search MEDLINE for complementary medicine research.
Since the inception of the Field, one focus of Cochrane Complementary Medicine has been the development of a database of controlled trials on complementary medicine therapies. The trials are included in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). A description of the sources of these trials, and their characteristics, may be read here. We have collaborated with researchers at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute to develop a CENTRAL translation of the CAM on PubMed search strategy for persons who wish to use CENTRAL to find controlled trials in complementary medicine. Finally, the citations of CENTRAL trials in complementary medicine are also posted on the website of the Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR), an AHRQ-funded project to assist in the data extraction for systematic reviews and serve as a repository of systematic review data. The CENTRAL citations may be searched and downloaded from SRDR Registry page.
Reporting research on complementary medicine therapies
The adequate reporting of research methods and research results is an important part of the research enterprise, and many specific guidelines have been developed during the past two decades. General guidelines for reporting research studies include CONSORT (for reporting randomized controlled trials), and PRISMA (for reporting of systematic reviews). Reporting guidelines that are of particular interest for complementary medicine include the CONSORT extension for acupuncture interventions, the CONSORT extension for herbal medicine interventions, the CONSORT extension for non-pharmacological interventions and the CONSORT extension for moxibustion (proposed). The website of the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network is an excellent resource for links to reporting guidlines, including guidelines translated into languages other than English.
Complementary medicine research organizations
There are many national and international organizations that support, conduct, and disseminate research in complementary, alternative, and integrative health. Links to these organizations are below:
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research (ISCMR)