The homeopathic research is gaining momentum, and this surge in research has sparked a new era, where the responsibility lies on undertaking quality research. There is a small but robust research portfolio for homeopathy ranging from basic science to clinical research and it is continue to grow today around the world. Although a research question is generated out of interest and need, but still there are many areas in homeopathy where we should venture on priority, in order to attain quality documentation of reliable evidence. Priority areas also serve as a guide for researchers and funding agencies. The aim of prioritization is to promote innovative proposals to stimulate increased quality, visibility or availability of research at a national, regional or international level. The “priority” depends upon many factors which may range from available resources, applicability of research, health care needs, expertise, etc. The development of this document has been guided by questions people usually ask, “where and what to start researching in homeopathy”.
Applicability of this Document
This draft on PARH doesn’t aim to replace existing priorities areas/documents developed by researchers and health care systems, but rather to aid them with information which has come up after a common consensus by researchers and clinicians. This document may be used to:
- Create awareness amongst homeopathic fraternity regarding research areas which are of vital importance considering present status of homeopathy, resources and expertise.
- Ease out identification of areas of one’s own interest and thus provoke thinking process regarding “where to start working”.
- Suggest an exhaustive list of priority areas which are important to venture into, and thus innovative proposals may be developed on these lines.
Objectives
- Identify homeopathic research priorities considering experiences and critical gaps that can be adapted by clinicians, academicians, researchers/research institutions, local health authorities and funding agencies.
Methods
The methodology to develop the draft document included:
- Collation of key background documents.
- Identification of participants, who comprised of teachers, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, etc.
- Determination of the research priorities:
- Round One – participants were asked to provide their suggestions and inputs to a draft document prepared beforehand (what they believed to be priority).
- Round Two – the document generated from the round one was sent to participants who were then asked to accept or reject inputs.
- Validation of the draft document – the document was then validated for inputs to which all members agreed. The feedback was positive on the document provided to them.
The use of the electronic media (emails and the IPRH website) was a central feature in the development of the document.
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