Sham in CAM

摘要: Several unique methodological challenges exist concerning the choice of most appropriate comparator or control group for clinical research in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This article reviews four major types groups (active control, placebo sham, no intervention different protocols experimental intervention), noting questions they answer contexts which may be used, discusses how this framework applied to CAM an effort avoid methodologically flawed study designs. The depends on complex factors such as question being asked, plausible competing rival hypotheses, logistical considerations related ethics, methodology feasibility. For example, sham effective it must capture ‘nonspecific’ elements treatment without containing those that are ‘specific’ at hand. However, demonstrated by examples acupuncture energy medicine, designing is not always easy. Controlling social interaction between practitioners subjects, addressing issues around having good-quality measurement integrity intensity, selecting sufficient competence when doing a process other important parts correct design choices. In light these complexities, clinicians researchers alike need better match employed order their both scientifically valid clinically meaningful.