Abstract
Through this article, we attempt to identify and understand some of the major challenges
in homoeopathic research and find solutions to overcome them. We have classified and
compiled the challenges broadly under the headings of (1) conceptual challenges—difficulties
in research arising due to conceptual differences between homoeopathy and conventional
medicine, in the understanding of disease and its treatment; (2) methodological challenges—such
as weak study designs, use of incorrect outcome measures, lack of knowledge of statistics,
poor adherence to homoeopathic tenets leading to poor remedy selection etc.; (3) difficulties
arising due to logistic challenges—lack of well-trained homoeopathic physicians in
principles of homoeopathy as well as research, lack of proper infrastructure leading
to hurdles such as limited access to research literature and other necessary resources;
(4) research culture—these pertain to the difficulties in homoeopathic research stemming
from the reluctance of the homoeopathic society to assimilate research into its culture.
Some steps have been suggested to overcome these challenges, namely improving research
education among homoeopathic fraternity, ensuring precise application of principles
of homoeopathy as well as utilising correct research methodology, promoting interdisciplinary
communication and encouraging interaction between academicians, researchers and practitioners
and taking steps to improve the quality of documentation.
Keywords
AYUSH - CAM - challenges - homoeopathic research - research challenges
