Methods

We apply a range of methodological approaches to answer highly relevant clinical questions applicable for patients and clinicians.

Quantitative primary studies, such as randomized clinical trials (RCTs), to determine the effectiveness of health care interventions. Some of these interventions are developed in our institute and are investigated in clinical studies afterwards. Whenever possible, we consider a participatory research approach to include stakeholder perspectives.
Qualitative studies and mixed-methods studies help us to understand patients’ values and preferences. This is of high importance to make results of clinical studies meaningful and adapt interventions to patients’ needs.
Rigorous evidence-synthesis of the best available evidence provided by research to support an informed decision making in health care. We deliver evidence-synthesis products like systematic reviews, meta-analyses, evidence and gap maps, and core outcomes sets. This research focus is linked to Cochrane Complementary Medicine and our contribution as Cochrane Satellite.
In meta-research projects we apply different methods (including Delphi procedures) to improve research methodology. This is a relevant step to improve clinical research in complementary and integrative medicine.

Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine