Patient Outcomes Research
The Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine has developed tools to obtain data on the outcomes of patients who receive integrative treatments. Our approach is to design systems that collect data as a part of routine patient care. Our emphasis is on documenting clinical, psychosocial and functional outcomes. The Center's Informatics group oversees an integrated medical information system, capturing data relating to multiple aspects of patient care, including patient demographics, comorbidity, medications, laboratory abnormalities, procedures performed, and outcomes. Based upon our expertise in Medical Informatics, the Center is uniquely capable of developing the tools necessary to conduct state-of-the-art outcomes research. Over the past ten years, we have built and adapted systems for physician's offices. We have developed a clinical information system built around a core set of functions and data, with the ability to customize structured data entry systems tailored for different users and providing the key element for data capture and note writing. At present, the informatics group has developed a patient computer-based tool to collect detailed data about nutrition, exercise and other modalities.
Pilot Program
The Center can provide the basis to initiate and successfully perform pilot project research across a broad spectrum of patient populations, interventions and outcomes. It can provide methodological, biostatistical and data systems expertise to help experienced and newly-trained researchers design and conduct clinical studies in Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Examples of areas where pilot studies are underway are identified from very preliminary key informant research and include:
- The use of meditation and guided imagery to improve outcomes among women with breast and or gyncecologic cancer. Read about the Avon Program
- The impact of energy yoga on overall mental health among community based participants
- Taking control. Read about Control Strategies
