The qualities of homeopathy

This issue of Homeopathy features three papers which address very diverse aspects of the quality of homeopathy. Homeopathy is frequently individualised and involves qualitative judgement which may be perceived as subjective. It is not necessarily the case that these judgements are subjective, but they are more diverse, open ended and therefore more difficult to handle than quantitative variables.

• References

• 1 Mathie R.T., Van Wassenhoven M., Jacobs J. et al. Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of individualised homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy 2015; 104: 164-169.
• 2 Mathie R.T., Roniger H., van Wassenhoven M. et al. Method for appraising model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathic treatment: multi-rater concordance study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2012; 12: 49.
• 3 Solomon M., Poggenpoel M., Myburgh C.P.H. Some intrapersonal qualities of SA homeopaths who have established successful private practices. Homeopathy 2015; 104: 182-189.
• 4 Rossi E., Picchi M., Di Stefano M., Marongiu A.M., Scarsini P. The homeopathic choice for children: a qualitative research on the decision-making processes of the families. Homeopathy 2015; 104: 176-181.
• 5 Rutten L. Data collection: treat every variable as a treasure. Homeopathy 2015; 104: 190-196.
• 6 Bornhöft G., Maxion-Bergemann S., Wolf U. et al. Checklist for the qualitative evaluation of clinical studies with particular focus on external validity and model validity. BMC Med Res Methodol 2006; 6: 56.
• 7 Boon H., MacPherson H., Fleishman S. et al. Evaluating complex healthcare systems: a critique of four approaches. Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2007; 4: 279-285.