Success factors and hurdles: Research collaborations in complementary medicine analyzed

Success factors and hurdles: Research collaborations in complementary medicine analyzed

In the United States, collaboration between complementary and integrative health (CIH) and research-oriented (R1) institutions has resulted in successful research projects, educational programs, and faculty development. A recent study was conducted to examine the barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining such partnerships.

The advantage of such collaborations is that both types of institutions can contribute their strengths. R1 institutions specializing in intensive research can provide their research infrastructure and methodology. This helps CIH institutions, which often have less access to such resources, expand their research capacity. The result of such collaboration can lead to innovative approaches, particularly in the research of complementary and integrative therapies and their influence on the health of entire systems and individuals.

However, securing financing remains a key challenge. More than 38% of projects resulted from targeted funding mechanisms that supported these collaborations. Lack of funding could therefore represent a significant barrier to the continuation of such partnerships.

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

Basic terms and concepts

• Komplementäre und integrative Gesundheit (CIH): Eine Form der Medizin, die alternative Heilmethoden mit konventionellen Behandlungen kombiniert.
• R1-Institutionen: Forschungseinrichtungen mit einem hohen Niveau an Forschungsaktivität.
• Forschungsinfrastruktur: Die Gesamtheit der Einrichtungen und Ressourcen, die für die Durchführung von wissenschaftlicher Forschung erforderlich sind.
• Methodik: Systematische Verfahren oder Schritte, die in der Forschung zur Datenerfassung und -analyse verwendet werden.

Abbreviations

• CIH: Komplementäre und Integrative Gesundheit
• R1: Forschungsintensive Institutionen
• REDCap: Research Electronic Data Capture

Successful collaborations between CIH and R1 institutions: insights and challenges

Recent research examines the dynamics and outcomes of collaboration between complementary and integrative health institutions (CIH) and research-intensive institutions (R1) in the United States. The aim of the study was to identify barriers and facilitating factors in establishing and maintaining such partnerships.

Methodology of the study

The study used a cross-sectional survey sent to researchers and contributors who have either already participated in or are interested in such collaborative projects. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions and was implemented using the REDCap system for data collection. The focus was on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the collected data.

Important results

• Insgesamt 26 einzelne Einträge wurden in der Datenanalyse berücksichtigt, darunter zwei gekoppelte Datenpaare (jeweils ein Eintrag von einer R1-Institution und einer CIH-Institution).
• 81 % der Teilnehmer hatten Führungspositionen an CIH-Institutionen inne, die fünf Disziplinen repräsentierten: ostasiatische Medizin, Chiropraktik, Massagetherapie, Naturheilkunde und Yoga.
• Etwas über 38 % der kooperativen Forschungsprojekte wurden als Reaktion auf spezifische Projektförderrichtlinien durchgeführt.
• Über 60 % der Kollaborationen umfassten auch Bildungsaktivitäten und die Entwicklung von Fakultäten.

Challenges and benefits of cooperation

The study highlights that despite numerous advantages, challenges exist for both institutional partners. The main benefits include:

• Erhöhte Forschungsproduktivität im Bereich CIH durch zugängliche Unterstützungssysteme.
• Entwicklung innovativer Forschungsmethoden zur Untersuchung realer Praktiken von CIH-Therapien und ganzheitlicher Gesundheitssysteme.
• Zugang zu Forschungsinfrastruktur und beruflicher Weiterentwicklung für CIH-Forscher.

These collaborations not only promote the generation of new knowledge in the CIH field, but also access to dedicated resources and protected time for research, which in turn supports the development of professionals in these health disciplines.

Further information about the study can be found at the following link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39648830.