230924 Integrative research: A mixed methods approach to CAM research

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM

Carla Wilson, MA, LAc, DAOM, PhD (candidate) , Doctoral Studies and Research Department, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, San francisco, CA
     
Project: A Phase II randomized blinded cancer integrative medicine Chinese herb efficacy trial for treatment of anal HSIL in HIV-positive people using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Background: Anal cancer is a growing public health concern for immunocompromised people. The mainstay of treatment is based on ablative therapy particularly cold knife surgical removal and/or fulguration of the affected area. This study is a 60-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial of a Chinese topical herbal medicine cream in 56 participants (28 in each arm) at the University of California at San Francisco Cancer Research Center. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the project.

Methods: The Chinese traditional medicine diagnoses will be correlated with western-based bio-markers, and a qualitative survey instrument.

Results: In this study we are working to develop the model of interpreting HSIL, especially with HIV co-infection, according to Chinese traditional diagnoses in order to gain experience integrating the Western and Eastern approaches. The inclusion of qualitative research methods will bring the lived experience of the research participants in to the analysis of the outcomes of this research project.

Conclusion: While this is exploratory, it could lend credibility to the Chinese medicine paradigm and lead other CAM researchers to consider the use of blend qualitative and quantitative research methods

Learning Areas:
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss characteristics that differentiate quantitative and qualitative research. 2. Evaluate mixed methods research 3.Identify how the nature of mixed methods research might lead CAM practitioners to consider using a mixed methods research design in ACHP.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a research associate on the project. The PI is aware that I will be discussing the project. I have no financial interest in the project that would bias my presentation
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3185.0: Research and Alternative and Complementary Health Practices