Feasibility of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research in a Community Based Setting

Background: Quan Yin Healing Arts Center (QYHAC) 24-year-old community based CAM treatment center located in San Francisco, provides CAM treatment for 260 HIV positive people monthly. This patient based is actively engaged in the alternative treatment modalities of acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Qi gong and self-care health education classes. Health care for this population is paid for through the city of SF, CA.

Methods: 72 HIV positive participants were recruited into two separate pilot studies investigating: 1. A simple one-product drug study using an herbal product. 2. A multi-disciplinary trial requiring substantial commitment by both researchers and participants. Additional funding for the two studies was provided by the collaborating partners; university research department and from the partnering supplement company.

Results: Successful patient participation and 80% study retention rates indicates that research conducted in a community based CAM setting provides a supportive environment that is conducive for additional clinical trials.

Conclusion: The results of the two pilots suggest: It is possible to conduct CAM research in community based clinical settings, and that this type of setting can provide a foundation for collaboration with universities, and supplement/drug based research.