Success factors and hurdles: Research collaborations in complementary medicine analyzed

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A survey reveals that partnerships between CIH and R1 institutions offer advantages despite hurdles. Joint projects promote innovations and CIH research. #Research #cih #partnerships
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In the USA, the cooperation between complementary and integrative health (CIH) as well as research -oriented institutions (R1) has led to successful research projects, educational programs and the further development of faculties. A current study was carried out to examine the obstacles and funding factors for the establishment and maintenance of such partnerships.

The advantage of such cooperation is that both types of institution can bring in their strengths. R1 institutions that specialize in intensive research can provide their research infrastructure and methodology. This helps CIH institutions that often have less access to such resources to expand their research capacities. The result of such cooperation can lead to innovative approaches, especially in research into complementary and integrative therapies as well as its influence on the health of entire systems and people.

An important challenge, however, remains to ensure financing. More than 38% of the projects resulted from targeted financing mechanisms that supported these collaborations. A lack of financing could therefore be a significant barrier for the continuation of such partnerships.

A paradigm shift towards greater acceptance and support of such collaborations could cause long -term changes in the way in which complementary therapies are researched and integrated. Future steps could include the development of common guidelines and practices that help both CIH and R1 institutions to make their partnerships more efficient and productive.

Basic terms and concepts

  • Complementary and integrative health (CIH): A form of medicine that combines alternative healing methods with conventional treatments.
  • R1 institutions: research institutions with a high level of research activity.
  • Research infrastructure: the entirety of the facilities and resources that are required to carry out scientific research.
  • methodology: Systematic processes or steps that are used in research on data acquisition and analysis.

abbreviations

  • cih: Complementary and integrative health
  • r1: research -intensive institutions
  • redcap: Research Electronic Data Capture

Successful cooperation between CiH and R1 institutions: insights and challenges

The latest research examines the dynamics and results of the cooperation between the institutions of complementary and integrative health (CIH) and research -intensive institutions (R1) in the USA. The aim of the study was to identify barriers and funding factors in the establishment and maintenance of such partnerships.

methodology of the study

The study used a cross-sectional survey that was sent to researchers and participants who have either already participated in such cooperation projects or are interested. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions and was implemented with the RedCap system for data acquisition. The focus was on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the collected data.

important results

  • A total of 26 individual entries were taken into account in the data analysis, including two coupled data pairs (each entry from an R1 institution and a CIH institution).
  • 81 % of the participants held management positions at CiH institutions that represent five disciplines: East Asian medicine, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy and yoga.
  • just over 38 % of the cooperative research projects were carried out in response to specific project support guidelines.
  • Over 60 % of collaborations also included educational activities and the development of faculties.

challenges and benefits of cooperation

The study emphasizes that there are challenges for both institutional partners despite a variety of advantages. The main benefits include:

  • increased research productivity in the area of ​​CIH through accessible support systems.
  • Development of innovative research methods to investigate real practices of CIH therapies and holistic health systems.
  • Access to research infrastructure and professional development for CIH researchers.

These cooperation not only promote the generation of new knowledge in the CIH area, but also access to specially provided resources and protected time for research, which in turn supports the development of specialists in these health disciplines.

Further information on the study can be called up at the following link: https://pubmed.nlm.nih.gov/39648830 .