Evidence-based complementary medicine: a contradiction in terms?
Article Abstract:
Complementary and alternative therapies should be subjected to the same rigorous scientific analysis used in evaluating conventional medical therapies. Alternative treatments are popular, particularly among patients with rheumatic diseases. Clients of alternative practitioners are often more satisfied with alternative care than with care by physicians. Few complementary practices have been subjected to scientific scrutiny, and some that have have failed the test. Not only is good data lacking on the effectiveness of many complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, herbalism, and chiropractic, but little research has been conducted to determine the risks to patients. Risk-benefit analyses should precede the adoption of any therapy, complementary or conventional.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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Idiopathic perianal pruritus: Washing compared with topical corticosteroids
Article Abstract:
A comparison between the effectiveness of topical steroids and perianal cleansing in the treatment of idiopathic perianal pruritus is made. The study was which was conducted among seventy-two patients with the complaint of Idiopathic perianal indicates that perianal cleansers can be used as a safe first step treatment in idiopathic perianal pruritus.
Publication Name: Postgraduate Medical Journal
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0032-5473
Year: 2004
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Limitations of "Pragmatic" Trials
Article Abstract:
Clinical trials are of different types: efficacy and pragmatic. The efficacy trial uses optimal conditions (near laboratory). The pragmatic trial reflects the reality of clinical practice. The pragmatic trials should only be used as a complement to efficacy trials to test results in a real life situation.
Publication Name: Postgraduate Medical Journal
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0032-5473
Year: 2005
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