Research in Homeopathy, BHA/Faculty's research strategy

8. BHA/Faculty's research strategy

Click here to contact the BHA about becoming a friend

The BHA and the Faculty of Homeopathy are working jointly to improve the research evidence in homeopathy:

We recently conducted pilot clinical data collection projects in medical, dental and veterinary homeopathy. This programme of work provides clinical data from "the real world" and is already helping us identify fruitful research directions:
- Medical:⁸³ anxiety, depression, eczema, IBS
- Dental:⁸⁴ apical abscess, pulpitis, sensitive cementum
- Veterinary:⁸⁵ arthritis and epilepsy in dogs; hyperthyroid and gingivitis in cats.
In summer 2006, we began a pilot project with researchers at Bristol University Veterinary School to study the effect of homeopathic management in canine atopic dermatitis. It is a clinical outcomes study and will run for 15-18 months. We shall use the results of the pilot to determine if a larger, controlled study is indicated.

We are taking other initiatives in helping new research happen:

Building research awareness and an infrastructure/network for research within the membership of the Faculty of Homeopathy: One of our key achievements since 2001 has been in running a series of short courses in research methods in different regions of the UK, and in establishing research dialogue/activity amongst Faculty members. Contributions to research discussion can also take place via our Research Discussion Forum.
We also offer detailed advice on individual Faculty members' projects and in developing their research ideas and potential research collaborations.

The BHA and the Faculty of Homeopathy do not award research grants. Instead, we are developing a novel research programme within a lively research 'culture' in homeopathy, and from a fresh evaluation of the existing research evidence base. This initiative coincided by chance with the publication of the House of Lords' report on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).⁸⁰ Our practical approach to research development in homeopathy directly addresses some of the report's key concerns:

"Very little high-quality CAM research exists. Reasons for this may include: a lack of training in the principles and methods of research; inadequate research funding; and a poor research infrastructure within the CAM sector. Another contributing factor may be methodological issues, with many CAM practitioners believing that conventional research methods are not suitable tools with which to investigate CAM."
"Training CAM practitioners in methods and principles of appropriate research disciplines will undoubtedly increase research activity in this area, as will attracting mainstream investigators into CAM research."

	8. BHA/Faculty's research strategy
Photograph Details	The BHA and the Faculty of Homeopathy are working jointly to improve the research evidence in homeopathy: We recently conducted pilot clinical data collection projects in medical, dental and veterinary homeopathy. This programme of work provides clinical data from "the real world" and is already helping us identify fruitful research directions: Medical:⁸³ anxiety, depression, eczema, IBS Dental:⁸⁴ apical abscess, pulpitis, sensitive cementum Veterinary:⁸⁵ arthritis and epilepsy in dogs; hyperthyroid and gingivitis in cats. In summer 2006, we began a pilot project with researchers at Bristol University Veterinary School to study the effect of homeopathic management in canine atopic dermatitis. It is a clinical outcomes study and will run for 15-18 months. We shall use the results of the pilot to determine if a larger, controlled study is indicated. We are taking other initiatives in helping new research happen: Building research awareness and an infrastructure/network for research within the membership of the Faculty of Homeopathy: One of our key achievements since 2001 has been in running a series of short courses in research methods in different regions of the UK, and in establishing research dialogue/activity amongst Faculty members. Contributions to research discussion can also take place via our Research Discussion Forum. We also offer detailed advice on individual Faculty members' projects and in developing their research ideas and potential research collaborations. The BHA and the Faculty of Homeopathy do not award research grants. Instead, we are developing a novel research programme within a lively research 'culture' in homeopathy, and from a fresh evaluation of the existing research evidence base. This initiative coincided by chance with the publication of the House of Lords' report on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).⁸⁰ Our practical approach to research development in homeopathy directly addresses some of the report's key concerns: "Very little high-quality CAM research exists. Reasons for this may include: a lack of training in the principles and methods of research; inadequate research funding; and a poor research infrastructure within the CAM sector. Another contributing factor may be methodological issues, with many CAM practitioners believing that conventional research methods are not suitable tools with which to investigate CAM." "Training CAM practitioners in methods and principles of appropriate research disciplines will undoubtedly increase research activity in this area, as will attracting mainstream investigators into CAM research."	Table of contents Homeopathy: the great debate Clinical research in homeopathy Veterinary homeopathy Issues and controversies Mechanism of action Is homeopathy safe? Is homeopathy cost effective? BHA/Faculty’s research strategy References Research discussion forum C O N T A C T U S S I T E M A P H O M E
	Home \| Faculty of Homeopathy \| British Homeopathic Association \| Research in homeopathy © 2000 - 2007 British Homeopathic Association. Site developed by Chord9 Ltd.