Robust Evidence in Integrative Medicine: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions, 2024, Lee

https://www.integrmed.org/upload/pdf/pim-2024-10-005.pdf

Short Communication
Robust Evidence in Integrative Medicine: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

Ye-Seul Lee 1,* , Myeong Soo Lee 2 , David Moher 3 , In-Hyuk Ha 1 , Jian-Ping Liu 4 , Terje Alræk 5, 6 , Stephen Birch 6 , Tae-Hun Kim 7 , Yoon Jae Lee 8 , Juan V.A. Franco 9 , Jeremy Y. Ng 3, 10, 11 , Holger Cramer 10, 11

1 Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea 2 Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea 3 Centre for Journalology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 4 Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China 5 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway 6 School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway 7 Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University, Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea 8 National Agency for Korean Medicine Innovative Technologies Development, National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, Seoul, Republic of Korea 9 Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany 10 Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany 11 Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany

Received: September 20, 2024 Revised: October 01, 2024 Accepted: October 04, 2024

*Corresponding author: Ye-Seul Lee Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea Email: yeseul.j.lee@gmail.com

https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.10.005 pISSN 2951-2182 eISSN 2951-2298

Perspect Integr Med 2024;3(3):162-167 PERSPECTIVES ON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Integrative Medicine (IM), which includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, and meditation, is gaining attention for managing chronic pain conditions.

However, concerns about the quality of evidence supporting the use of these interventions persist.

The 5th Annual Jaseng Academic conference 2024, in Seoul, South Korea, themed "Robust Evidence in Integrative Medicine: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions," addressed these concerns by focusing on advancements in study design, evidence synthesis, and open science practices.

This conference proceeding summarizes key insights from the conference, emphasizing the role of pragmatic randomized controlled trials (pRCTs) in evaluating real-world effectiveness, and addressing the complexities involved in IM research such as sham controls.

The integration of IM therapies into comprehensive pain management strategies (particularly in Korea), supported by governmentbacked research and policy initiatives was also discussed.

Advancements in methodologies were addressed, such as bibliometric analysis, evidence mapping, and the development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for integrative therapies.

These methodologies offer valuable insights but face challenges due to the heterogeneity of IM interventions, and potential synergistic or antagonistic effects when combined with conventional medicine.

Finally, the potential of open science to enhance transparency, reporting, and reproducibility in IM was explored, emphasizing the increased role of adherence to reporting guidelines (CONSORT and PRISMA).

The future of IM research is built upon the continued efforts of refined study designs, rigorous evidence synthesis, and the integration of open science principles, for a robust and more credible evidence base.

Keywords: evidence-based healthcare, integrative medicine, research design, sham treatment