Describing and improving homoeopathy: use of systematic data collection

ABSTRACT

Large scale data collection combined with modern information technology is a powerful tool to evaluate the efficacy and safety of homoeopathy. It also has great potential to improve homoeopathic practice. Data collection has not been widely used in homoeopathy. This appears to be due to the clumsiness of the methodology and the perception that it is of little value to daily practice. 3 protocols addressing different aspects of this issue are presented. 1.A proposal to establish common basic datacollection methodology for homoeopaths throughout Europe. 2.A systematic survey of the results of homoeopathic treatment of patients with rheumatoid asthritis using quality of life and objective assessments. 3.Verification of a set of homoeopathic prescribing features for Rhus toxicodendron. These proposals are designed to be 'user-friendly' and to provide practical information relevant to daily homoeopathic practice