The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63392

Suzanna M. Zick, ND, MPH¹, Rita Benn, PhD², and Elena Gillespie, BS¹. (1) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center, University of Michigan, 715 E. Huron Street Suite 1W, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-998-7715, szick@umich.edu, (2) Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 715 E. Huron, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The purpose of this panel presentation is to present the different approaches used by the University of Michigan Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center (CAMRC) to include CAM practitioners in the planning and implementation of research projects in CAM. As a result of the panel presentation, participants will understand how to develop a research program that incorporates CAM practitioners in the planning and implementation of research projects. Specifically, participants will learn: 1) practical ways in which to support and include CAM practitioners in the operation of research projects in CAM; 2) specific content to include in a program that instructs CAM practitioners in research skills; 3) outcomes from a formal, mixed methods evaluation process of a 25 hour research directed course for CAM practitioners; and 4) descriptions of research projects developed by CAM practitioners. The panel will include both the perspectives of faculty as well as CAM practitioners in the presentation. Panel members will discuss values and methods underlying UM CAMRC’s approach to involving CAM practitioners in research; key issues to consider in organizing CAM content directed at teaching the scientific method to CAM practitioners; and strategies for maximizing CAM practitioner success in research implementation. Experiences of CAM practitioners in integrating research skills will be specifically highlighted by discussion of qualitative findings resulting from a formal evaluation of research course for CAM practitioners and outlines of research proposals presented by CAM practitioner students.

Learning Objectives:

Particiaptns will learn:
• practical ways in which to support and include CAM practitioners in the operation of research projects in CAM;
• specific content to include in a program that instructs CAM practitioners in research skills;
• outcomes from a formal, mixed methods evaluation process of a 25 hour research directed course for CAM practitioners; and
• descriptions of research projects developed by CAM practitioners. ( included in abstract)

Keywords: Education, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.