View full article | Development of a Practice Outcomes Monitoring and Evaluation System: An Example in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Clinical outcomes research is important to expand the body of evidence for safe and effective use of naturopathic modalities. This paper provides guidance for establishing a practice outcomes monitoring and evaluation system (POMES). General considerations are given for integrating specialized research ethics requirements into a naturopathic practice, and for creating a research plan for collecting data in the office setting. Practical issues such as data management and staffing are also discussed. The iterative process of designing a POMES for evaluating breast cancer outcomes in a naturo- pathic clinic is described. Outcomes monitoring in the naturo- pathic practice setting can lay the foundation for participation in collaborative studies to assess the efficacy of naturopathic medicine.
Rachelle L. McCarty
Keywords: integrating specialized research ethics requirements into a naturopathic practice