NCCAM sponsors and conducts research to study complementary health approaches, using scientific methods and advanced technologies, at scientific institutions in the United States and around the world. Examples of studies include investigator-initiated and NCCAM-solicited projects, intramural research, basic mechanistic research, translational research, clinical trials, and research centers. Its inception was in 1999. (NIH)
In the past 10 years, NCCAM has funded more than 2,500 research projects resulting in more than 3,300 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. This work has increased the knowledge base of the effects, efficacy, safety, and promise of many CAM interventions. NCCAM is strengthening its research portfolio on nonpharmacological methods for the prevention, reduction, or amelioration of pain. To that end, NCCAM recently refined its signature research program, Centers of Excellence for Research on CAM (CERC), to focus on studying CAM therapies for pain management.
Many people use natural products such as fish oil, glucosamine, and Echinacea and other botanicals for the treatment of a variety of conditions and/or to improve or maintain their general health. NCCAM’s research has substantially contributed to the understanding of both the safety and the efficacy of natural products. Furthermore, NCCAM’s research has contributed to greater public awareness of how to use dietary supplements wisely.
NCCAM has embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning process that will ensure that the Center continues to support the best and most promising CAM research. In prioritizing which studies to undertake, four factors come into play: (1) Promise: Is there evidence that the research may lead to the development of improved strategies for treating troublesome or prevalent health conditions (e. g. , chronic pain)? (2) Science: Is the project amenable to rigorous scientific investigation given available methods, tools, and technologies? 3) Impact: Is there a reasonable likelihood that the research may influence CAM practice(s) by consumers and/or health care providers, thus ultimately impacting public health? and (4) Use: Is the CAM intervention widely used? (NIH) References: National Institute of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine http://www. nih. gov/about/almanac/organization/NCCAM. htm National Care for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) http://nccam. nih. gov/about/offices/od/directortestimony/0410. htm
The Review on The function of research in Health and social Care
Research can be defined as a process of collecting information about a specific topic for a purpose. The importance of research in Health and Social Care is very high. Research can take days, months or even years. Its aim is not only to identify in depth information but as well to find out the amount of information that is already known. Through research we can have a better understanding of what ...
