Establishing Efficacy in Chronic Stable Conditions: Are ‘N = 1 Study’ Designs or Case Series Useful?

Publisher: Karger

E-ISSN: 1661-4127|5|1|128-130

ISSN: 1661-4119

Source: Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine, Vol.5, Iss.1, 2004-11, pp. : 128-130

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Abstract

The aim of this overview is to discuss the usefulness of two research tools often advocated in complementary medicine: the n = 1 study and case series. These methodologies are defined and their advantages and disadvantages are outlined. It is concluded that both designs have advantages and disadvantages. For testing the efficacy/effectiveness of complementary therapies neither design will lead to conclusive, generalizable results. Yet both methodologies can be valuable adjuncts to other types of investigation.