How can meta-research be used to evaluate and improve the quality of research in the field of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine?866.26 kBDownloadView
How Can Meta-Research be Used to Evaluate and Improve the Quality of Research in the Field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine?View
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Abstract
complementary and integrative medicine meta-research metascience research quality traditional medicine
The field of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) has garnered increasing attention due to its holistic approach to health and well-being. While the quantity of TCIM published research has increased exponentially, critics have argued that the field faces challenges related to methodological rigour, reproducibility, and overall quality. This article proposes meta-research as one approach to evaluating and improving the quality of TCIM research. Meta-research, also known as research about research, can be defined as “the study of research itself: its methods, reporting, reproducibility, evaluation, and incentives”. By systematically evaluating methodological rigour, identifying biases, and promoting transparency, meta-research can enhance the reliability and credibility of TCIM research. Specific topics of interest that are discussed in this article include the following: 1) study design and research methodology, 2) reporting of research, 3) research ethics, integrity, and misconduct, 4) replicability and reproducibility, 5) peer review and journal editorial practices, 6) research funding: grants and awards, and 7) hiring, promotion, and tenure. For each topic, we provide case examples to illustrate meta-research applications in TCIM. We argue that meta-research initiatives can contribute to maintaining public trust, safeguarding research integrity, and advancing evidence based TCIM practice, while challenges include navigating methodological complexities, biases, and disparities in funding and academic recognition. Future directions involve tailored research methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, policy implications, and capacity building in meta-research.
Details
Title
How can meta-research be used to evaluate and improve the quality of research in the field of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine?
Creators
Jeremy Y. Ng
Myeong Soo Lee
Jian-ping Liu
Amie Steel
L. Susan Wieland
Claudia M. Witt
David Moher
Holger Cramer
Publication Details
Integrative medicine research, Vol.13(3), p.101068
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Grant note
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health of the National Institutes of Health: R24 AT001293
LSW was supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health of the National Institutes of Health under award num-ber R24 AT001293.
